A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR STAFF SERGEANT STEVEN BLAKE WEATHERSBEE OF THE SUMTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON BEING AWARDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to learn that Staff Sergeant Steven Blake Weathersbee of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office was awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor on January 26, 2023, for taking action that showed fortitude and coolheadedness in protecting others from harm during a life-threatening situation; 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 September 25, 2022, while Staff Sergeant Weathersbee was serving as shift supervisor, a call came out for a domestic disturbance on Cains Mill Road. Staff Sergeant Weathersbee, a fifteen-year veteran of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office (Patrol Division), was the first deputy to arrive on scene. The only information he had was that a daughter had called and stated that her mother and father were going through a divorce and that the father, who had moved out weeks prior, was back at the house with an axe, causing damage to the wife's vehicle. The mother and daughter had gone next door and called 911. Shortly before Staff Sergeant Weathersbee arrived, dispatch advised that the house was now on fire; and

Whereas, the sergeant arrived and found the garage end of the house completely engulfed in flames. He and Deputy Taron Ritter began checking the perimeter of the residence, looking for the suspect. As Staff Sergeant Weathersbee was approaching the backyard, a gunshot came from that area, striking the sergeant in the leg. As he fell, another shot rang out but missed him. He immediately returned fire. Unable to walk, he tried to crawl to cover and was quickly assisted by Deputy Ritter. Staff Sergeant Weathersbee continued to exercise control over the situation by alerting other deputies to the suspect's location and making sure they were behind cover. The sergeant then instructed deputies how to apply first aid, including the application of a tourniquet; and

Whereas, during the entire incident, Staff Sergeant Weathersbee exercised command and control, even after being wounded, and remained calm. His priority was the safety of the other deputies coming to his aid. He is still recovering from a broken leg; and

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate appreciate the courage and dedication of law enforcement officers like Staff Sergeant Steven Blake Weathersbee who put their lives on the line every day and who provide safety and security to protect the citizens of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize and honor Staff Sergeant Steven Blake Weathersbee of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office and congratulate him on being awarded the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Staff Sergeant Steven Blake Weathersbee.

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