Richland deputies receive awards for life-saving actions

Sheriff Leon Lott awarded two Richland County deputies the “2015 Deputy of the Year Award.”

Lott said Master Deputy Trobathian Johnson and Sgt. Chris Duke acted without hesitation to save the lives of citizens during traumatic times, putting their own lives at risk to do so.

Johnson saved two people whose canoe capsized at Pine Lake Park on June 5, according to a media release. The deputy swam about 50 yards to save a 60-year-old woman, and after bringing her to safety, swam about 100 yards to retrieve a 58-year-old man.

Duke saved a man’s life during the October flood, according to the release. The victim was driving on Killian Road when flood waters disabled his vehicle. Duke walked through chest-high water to carry the victim out of the vehicle.

Each deputy received an award plaque and a $1,000 check from the Richland County Sheriff’s Foundation.