BEAR CUBS: March 2006

March 2, 2006, Nate was 1 among 74 Deputies being honored for an award at an anual award Luncheon provided by the Sac County Sheriff's Dept. There were 6 different medals awarded amongst the 74 Deputies. Nate was 1 of 28 of the men/women who received the Life Saving Medal award. The Life Saving Medal is defined as this: those who perform extraordinary efforts to protect/preserve human life. Last Aug, Nate and 2 of his co-workers saved the life of an innmate who had collapsed, was not breathing and had no pulse. They performed CPR and radioed for ambulance and helicopter to life flight this man to the hospital. Without their efforts, this man surely would have died. The other 25 Deputies performed like efforts in other incidents and in so doing were honored by being awarded this medal. In turn, the other 46 deputies performed the efforts that awarded them their medals (like the Silver or Bronze Star or the Medal of Valor).

This ceremony was very touching, and not just because of Nate's wonderful honor (although I could not have been more proud of him!!) Last July, 3 Deputies in the Aero division with Sac County Sheriff's department were invovled in a tragic helicopter crash while patrolling Lake Natoma on a hot summer evening (the helicopter was called Star VI). Sadly, 2 of these men lost their lives. The 2 men who died were awarded Medals of Valor (for outstanding performance and conspicuous bravery above and beyond the call of duty, which reflects credit upon law enforcement in its highest tradition) posthumously, so the surviving families accepted these awards in their place, and the 3rd surviving Deputy was honored with 2 awards (which he was able to stand and receive so proudly): the the Medal of Valor as well as a Purple Heart (for "serious bodily injuries" received in the line of duty).

There were other medals awarded as well, such as the Silver Star (for outstanding performance and conspicuous bravery in the line of duty) and the Bronze Star (for oustanding performance and bravery in the line of duty). There was also the Sheriff's Commendation Medal for Distinguished Service (for a particular outstanding service to the community or the department). Needless to say, there was not a dry eye in the room when the Star VI awards were being honored and received by both the surviving Deputy and the families of the 2 men who did not survive. I was so proud, of Nate and his department. I AM so proud to tell people what he does, that he SAVES lives, that he serves and protects. Chloe & I are so blessed (a great father & husband). Thank you Lord! Chloe is shockingly not in any of these photos as she was spending the day with Gpa & Gma Britting.