A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Deputy Zachary T. Hentz OF THE Richland COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM FOR BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that on January 26, 2023, Deputy Zachary T. Hentz of the Richland County Sheriff's Office will receive the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor for displaying bravery and courage in his response to an incident to assist a fellow officer with a domestic situation in which a weapon was involved; and

Whereas, the award is presented annually to law enforcement officers who perform actions above and beyond the call of duty, exhibit exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind, or act with unusual swiftness, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, on the evening of March 19, 2022, Deputy Hentz, who had been with the sheriff's office for a little over a year, responded to a report of a domestic incident involving allegations that a suspect had assaulted family members; and

Whereas, Deputy John Anderson arrived first at the scene. The suspect exited the home holding what appeared to be a large knife, later identified as a sharpened wooden stake. Deputy Anderson attempted to retreat while commanding the suspect to drop his weapon, and minutes later Deputy Hentz arrived on the scene to assist; and

Whereas, both deputies continued to attempt to get the subject to drop his weapon but were unsuccessful. The suspect charged Deputy Hentz who deployed his taser as the suspect advanced toward him. The taser failed to operate correctly so Deputy Hentz deployed his firearm, wounding the advancing suspect; and

Whereas, the suspect caused Deputy Hentz to trip and fall, losing his glasses and taser momentarily. As Deputy Hentz recovered those items, Deputy Anderson handcuffed the subject and both officers attempted life-saving measures on him. Despite their efforts, the suspect later died from complications of the wounds; and

Whereas, Deputy Hentz honorably exemplified great courage and bravery as he assisted his partner in neutralizing a threat to both of their lives, facing the danger without hesitation immediately upon arriving at the tense scene. Deputy Hentz displayed the standard all officers are encouraged to meet each day they go into the community to serve; and

Whereas, since the incident occurred, Deputy Hentz has been promoted to the Criminal Investigations Unit, and has undergone training to help other deputies involved in critical incidents; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Zachary Hentz who put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Zachary T. Hentz of the Richland County Sheriff's Office and congratulate him for being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Zachary T. Hentz.

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