On Wednesday, four current or past employees of the Livingston County Sheriffs Office were recognized for individual acts of courage and valor which resulted in the saving of four human lives late in 2011.
Information from Sheriff Steve Cox credits deputy Matt Ahal with a quick response November 30th to a rural address prompted by a 911caller reporting her husband was in a life threatening situation and needed emergency medical care. Deputy Ahal was the first responder to arrive at the scene and began life saving CPR along with the wife until the Chillicothe Department of Emergency Services arrived to help. Matt Ahal is now employed as a full time Youth Minister at First Christian Church and remains a Reserve Deputy.
On December 26th, Cox said Sergeant Michael Claypole responded to a residence in Wheeling as a 911 caller advised dispatch of a suicidal man that was armed with a knife. The caller reported the subject knew law enforcement was on the way and he had retreated to an unknown location inside the home. Information was unknown if the man were taking additional steps to end his life or prepare for a confrontation with law enforcement. Sgt. Claypole was first to arrive and knew his only backup was several minutes away. Sgt. Claypole witnessed the caller flee the home. He also saw the suspect quickly flee from the front door into the interior. Sgt. Claypole was fearful the man was either seeking to harm himself. Claypole entered the home and confronted the subject. Claypole was able to take the man into protective custody with minimal use of force and enabled the subject to obtain professional help.
On October 26th Ed Maberry was working as Detention Officer in the Livingston County Jail. He was alerted to a male detainee flagging the jail camera and responded to determine what the need was. As he entered an individuals pod, he requested immediate emergency assistance when he saw a large male detainee hanging in an attempt to end his life. Mayberry then lifted the man to relieve the pressure on his neck and potentially permit him to breath. Help was summoned from another male detainee until law enforcement and EMS could arrive. Mayberry is now employed as Corrections Officer with Department of Corrections.
Lieutenant/Jail Administrator Sandra Shermuly was working the jail Christmas night in 2011. Lt. Shermuly was notified a male detainee was flagging the jail camera and she responded to investigate. Lt. Shermuly found another male hanging in an attempt to end his life. Lt. Shermuly requested help and entered the cell where she lifted the uncooperative detainee in an attempt to relieve pressure on his neck and permit him to breath until assistance arrived. Two male trustees heard her request for help and they entered the cell pod to assist her in getting the man down and restore his breathing. Sandra Shermuly is now employed with Morningside Center in Chillicothe.
Sheriff Cox had met with Circuit Judges Brent Elliott and Thomas Chapman about recognizing the 4 employees for their life-saving actions. The two judges provided detailed information to the audience yesterday regarding the individual acts each person took in saving human life. The judges along with Sheriff Cox then presented each person with a plaque recognizing their heroic efforts. |
