Along with the honors presented at the Sanilac County Emergency Services Field Day on July 14, several Meritorious Awards were handed out including several to individuals involved in an incident just last month. An 18-year old male had jumped into the water off the Port Sanilac Breakwall June 17th and did not re-surface.
Vance and Jennifer Petretis and Dale Hunt were close by and quickly came to the aid of the victim, while aboard their jet skis. The trip assisted deputies in bringing the man to shore for treatment. For their efforts, the three civilians were given Meritorious Life-Saving awards.
Also honored as a result of the same incident, Sanilac County sheriff deputies Zach Waskevich and Tate Bongard were on their way to another call when they heard screams for help. Washkevich dove into the water to rescue the subject while Bongard operated the patrol boat. Both men were given Meritorious Life-Saving plaques.
Members of the Port Sanilac East Fire Authority received Meritorious Life-Saving awards for their department while also being involved in the rescue off the Port Sanilac Breakwall.
Meritorious Service Awards were presented to three Sanilac County Dispatchers for their performance in an incident in Greenleaf Township involving a home invasion gone bad. Dispatchers handled multiple law enforcement transmissions, along with other communications at what authorities said was a very hectic scene. Kristal Schulz, Sandy Robinson and Carli Evans were recognized for their outstanding efforts.
Shane and Heather Mills, Keith Barnett lll and Jerome McCray all were presented Meritorious Service Awards for their part in rescuing an elderly woman from a burning home in Carsonville in January. The citizens found the woman trapped in an upstairs bedroom and brought her to safety while flames consumed the front of the home. They also assisted the fire department by stretching hose to help firemen fight the flames.
And finally, Sanilac County Sheriff Department Sgt. Shelly Park received Meritorious Service Award for her work in solving a rash of breaking and enterings in northwest Sanilac County earlier this year. Sgt. Park spearheaded the investigation and eventual arrests of subjects believed to have been involved in the B&Es. Her traffic stop of a suspected vehicle led to the recovery of stolen items and other evidence.
