Three Linn County Sheriff’s deputies were recently recognized by the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association for outstanding accomplishments at the annual conference in Bend after saving a man’s life during an armed standoff.
Sgt. Dave Lawler, Deputy Chris Titus, volunteer Deputy Bill Ellison and Albany Police Officer Jim Estes were presented with a Life Saving Award in recognition of their actions during a S.W.A.T. call that involved an armed standoff in Scio on Christmas night 2013.
The standoff involved an individual armed with a rifle, who later started his mother’s residence on fire.
Sheriff Bruce Riley said Lawler “showed great restraint when confronted by the armed suspect,” and that his decision not to shoot the man “ultimately aided in saving this person’s life.”
The three officers were able to enter the burning residence and pull the male from harm, saving his life.
Also, the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association presented Staff Sergeant Micah Smith with the Deputy of the Year award.
Smith worked as a detective for eight years and started the sheriff’s office Digital Forensics and Cyber Crimes unit.
Smith is a nationally recognized trainer and expert witness in Technology-Facilitated Child Sex Crimes.
Smith was promoted to staff sergeant within the Support Division and supervises Dispatch, Records, Evidence and Information Technologies.
He “continues to maintain a high reputation within our agency and community,” Riley said.
“I am very proud of my staff and in particular, these deputies for their sound judgment and professionalism.”