A concurrent RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Deputy John Scott Poston OF THE Florence COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION 2023 MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Deputy John Scott Poston will be awarded the esteemed South Carolina Sheriffs' Association 2023 Medal of Valor Award on Thursday, January 25, 2024; and

 

Whereas, the Medal of Valor Award is presented to a deputy sheriff or a law enforcement officer from another agency whose service is in connection with a deputy sheriff.  The recipient of the award will have performed actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibited exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or acted with unusual swiftness, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

 

Whereas, nominations made by the sheriff are presented to a standing committee of sheriffs who evaluate the nominations, and recipients are invited to the Winter Conference where they are presented with the medal at the Awards Banquet; and

 

Whereas, on July 14, 2023, at approximately 5:37 pm, Deputy Poston along with Fire and EMS were dispatched to a partial, new-construction structure which had collapsed and entrapped a victim.  Deputy Poston was in the immediate area and on scene in under two minutes; and

 

Whereas, he was the first emergency responder on scene and found a new home under construction where the roof truss system had been set but not secured.  As an afternoon thunderstorm approached, the wind caused a domino type collapse of the truss system and pinned a worker, creating an elevated rescue situation; and

 

Whereas, Deputy Poston immediately went to the aid of the entrapped victim and took a position on the roof, supporting the victim until additional responders could arrive.  Deputy Poston remained on the roof, assisting the medic and firefighter while the patient was treated, placed on a backboard and stokes basket, and then lowered to the ground.  Deputy Poston provided critical assistance in this rescue which could not have happened without his help; and

 

Whereas, the patient had a fractured femur and was at risk for falling until he received support from Deputy Poston and ultimately the other first responders.  This type of rescue is not a normal law enforcement response, but Deputy Poston stepped up and without hesitation took an elevated position to provide assistance until other responders could arrive. Deputy Poston demonstrated valor and professionalism, as well as compassion toward this person who needed immediate assistance.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is honored to recognize the heroism and determination of law enforcement officers and first responders like Deputy John Scott Poston who protect and defend our citizens, putting the safety of others above their own personal safety.  Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

 

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy John Scott Poston of the Florence County Sheriff's Office for exceptional courage in the face of danger while in the line of duty and congratulate him upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association 2023 Medal of Valor Award.

 

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy John Scott Poston.

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