Sheriff’s deputies honored for heroism
Two deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department have received commendations for heroism for helping to rescue residents from a structure fire in West Norriton before emergency responders arrived on the scene.
Deputies Kelli Holbert and James Buckley were honored during a recent ceremony attended by their peers at the county courthouse during which Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny said the deputies went “above and beyond their duties.”
A commendation for heroism, Kilkenny said, is awarded for an act of outstanding courage without regard for personal safety, which results in the saving of a life.
At 3:10 p.m. on May 9, Holbert and Buckley were returning to the courthouse after transporting a prisoner to Wayne County, when they noticed heavy smoke and flames coming from a building in the 1900 block of West Main Street in West Norriton, according to Chief Deputy Mike Beaty. First responders had not yet reached the scene.
“So, Holbert and Buckley began knocking on doors and windows to alert residents of the fire. They were able to gain inside access through the front door where they found another resident, whom they assisted out of the building,” Beaty explained. “Deputy Holbert made another trip into the building to be sure that no residents remained.”
West Norriton police and several fire departments arrived on the scene and Holbert was later taken by ambulance to a local hospital where she was treated for smoke inhalation.
“Thank you for risking your own safety in order to ensure the safety of others. Your exemplary service is a credit to your profession and your community,” Beaty said as he presented the commendations to Holbert and Buckley, who were greeted by thunderous applause from their peers.
County Commissioner Joe Gale also was on hand to congratulate the deputies and thank them for their “service and dedication to making our community a better place each and every day.”
During the brief ceremony, Sonya Sanders, policy director and office manager in the sheriff’s department, also recognized three civilians in the office for their “outstanding work and customer service.”
Receiving letters of recognition were: Christine Adams, “for her professionalism, understanding and positive attitude when dealing with numerous law firms and deadlines regarding sheriff’s sale properties;” Scott Elliott “for his work ethic, good-natured attitude and patience when dealing with the volume of regular calls and visits from the public and attorneys regarding questions about the posting of sheriff sale properties;” and Dolores Miller “for her compassion, composure and helpfulness when dealing with frantic homeowners and law firms on the days leading up to sheriff sales in addition to her regular volume of work.”
Sanders said the sheriff’s real estate division conducts sheriff sales of more than 1,600 properties each year. Due to the sensitive nature of these sales, a high level of professionalism and compassion is required of staff, Sanders said.