Special to the Enquirer

On April 23 the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office awarded five Merit Awards at their annual employee appreciation and awards dinner hosted by the Decatur Elks Lodge. Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Merit Awards highlight true service, bravery and character in the face of life-threatening events that require selfless acts of courage.

Sgt. Jon Mason and Deputy Caleb Brooks were recognized for their action in preventing a potential suicide. Arriving at the scene in just two minutes, the deputies met the subject’s mother, made entry on the home, and searched each room looking for the 30-year-old male. Finding no one, they searched outside where they located a figure standing on a cooler. The male figure yelled at deputies and kicked the cooler out from under himself. They quickly rushed to the male hoping to cut the rope, but found that a steal cable had been used. Unable to cut him down, Sgt. Mason quickly lifted the male’s full weight as Deputy Brooks worked to free the cable. They were able to free the male and begin aid until EMS arrived, saving his life.

Deputy Caleb Brooks was recognized for his quick thinking that helped save his partner during a vehicle accident. In September 2018, Deputy Caleb Brooks and Reserve Deputy Danny Kelso had just cleared a call in the Massey Community. Traveling eastbound on Highway 55 near Huckaby Bridge Rd, they were met head on by a speeding vehicle. The head-on impact sent the patrol car over 100 yards into a ditch. Deputy Brooks assessed the scene and determined his partner was entrapped in the vehicle. He attempted to radio for assistance but found the impact had left the patrol unit crippled. He found and used his portable radio to get assistance on its way. Once help was notified, Deputy Brooks tried repeatedly to free himself from the vehicle. With much force, he was finally able to exit the vehicle only to learn that a fire had begun. With his partner trapped, he made his way to the trunk, located the fire extinguisher and suppressed the fire. With others now on scene to assist, he worked to free Deputy Kelso. Once free and away from the vehicle, Deputy Brooks made his way to the other car to assess the occupant’s condition. He then returned to Deputy Kelso’s side where he remained until he could be transported by ambulance and then helicopter to Huntsville Hospital. Throughout the event Deputy Brooks remained calm and took quick, courageous action to give aid to all involved. Reserve Deputy Kelso continues to recover and serves as a Lieutenant in the Morgan County Jail as well as Chief of the Morgan County Rescue Squad.

Deputy Jerald Jenkins and Deputy Jonathan Wynn were recognized for their actions in saving a man’s life after a car accident in Cotaco. In August 2018 Deputies Jerald Jenkins and Jonathan Wynn responded to a report of a wreck in the Cotaco area. Deputies located a pick-up truck that had left the roadway. The vehicle had struck a tree leaving the cab crushed and unable to be seen. Deputies quickly searched the area to locate the potential occupants. Finding no one Deputy Wynn, assisted by Deputy Jenkins, climbed up the back of the truck and on to the remaining roof to try gain access to the cab. Once there, Deputy Wynn located the unconscious, pinned driver. The deputies remained with the driver and assisted in extracting him when EMS arrived. The deputies assisted with his medical preparation until he could be transported to Huntsville Hospital. The driver has since reached out to all involved to show his appreciation and thank them for their actions in saving his life.

Sheriff Ron Puckett said that he proud to be able to recognize his team members that help people throughout the county each day. “I am proud to have these brave men as part of my team. Their actions in these instances are a testament to their commitment to the people of Morgan County and fellow law enforcement. I have great respect for the brave, selfless acts of courage displayed by these four deputies,” Puckett said.

The department also took the opportunity to recognize other staff members for their efforts throughout the year. Vernon Loosier was recognized as the deputy of the year. James Rosenblum was recognized as the corrections officer of the year. Selina Childers was recognized as the staff member of the year. Tony Weikert was recognized as the reserve deputy of the year.

Puckett said each of the employees were recognized based on their ability to show the mission of the department in their work each day.  “The work of the Sheriff’s Office requires quality, dedicated individuals. These four are truly exemplify this. They show a commitment to excellence with true humility and it is an honor to bestow this award on them,” he said.