Friday, June 04, 2010

Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputies Receive Awards at Arizona Diamondbacks Game


June 4th, 2010

Pinal County Sheriff’s Deputies Receive Awards at Arizona Diamondbacks Game

On Saturday June 5th, 2010 Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu, Chief Deputy Steve Henry, Casa Grande Assistant Chief of Police Don Daniel and U.S Senator John McCain will present awards to Deputies Louie Puroll, Richard Bagwell, Heath Rankin, Eric Larson, Adrian Leos and Casa Grande Police Officer Michael Bloomer.

The awards will be presented on the field to each member at 4:35 p.m. The game is scheduled to start at 5:10 p.m.
The heroic and life saving actions of these employees will not only be done in front of the hometown fans of the Arizona Diamondbacks but also in front of over 1,600 Pinal County Sheriff’s Office employees and family members that will be in attendance. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office - Honor Guard will be presenting our national colors at 5 p.m.

Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu said, “Everyday men and women of law enforcement across our great country risk their lives so that all of us can be safe. I am very proud to honor these award recipients for their bravery and selfless acts of courage. I would also like to thank Symantec and the Pinal County Justice Foundation for the donation of the tickets to the ballgame for my employees. This is our way to thank Sheriff Office employees for the outstanding work they do day in and day out for the citizens of Pinal County.”

Deputy Louie Puroll (Purple Heart) – On April 30th, 2010 Deputy Puroll was patrolling in the Vekol Valley when he spotted several individuals transporting illegal drugs through the desert area. Shortly thereafter, Deputy Puroll was ambushed by the individuals who opened fire with AK-47 type weapons. Multiple rounds were fired by the suspects and Deputy Puroll. Ultimately, Deputy Puroll was struck by a bullet just above his kidney. Following the shooting, the suspects fled leaving Deputy Puroll suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputy Puroll has since recovered from his injury and has returned back to full duty.

Deputy Richard “Scott” Bagwell (Medal of Valor) – On January 28th, 2010 Gilbert Police Lieutenant Eric Schuhandler was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty. Following his shooting, the two suspects fled on US 60 towards Superior. Deputy Bagwell was involved in the lengthy pursuit. During the pursuit the suspects shot at the pursuing law enforcement officers. Deputy Bagwell disregarded his own personal safety and continued with the pursuit. The suspect vehicle eventually ran out of gas and stopped in the middle of the roadway. Gunfire was exchanged between the suspects and law enforcement officers. Deputy Bagwell was one of the officers who bravely closed in on the suspects returning fire, eventually shooting and apprehending the suspects.

Deputy Eric Larson (Life Saving) – On February 6th, 2010 Deputy Larson responded to a medical call involving a three-year-old child who had accidentally shot himself in the head. Upon his arrival, Deputy Larson immediately rendered critical life saving first aid until paramedics arrived. The child was taken to a local hospital where he immediately underwent extensive surgery. The child is home and doing well thanks to the immediate actions of Deputy Larson.

Deputy Heath Rankin (Life Saving) – On February 25th, 2010 Deputy Rankin responded to a medical call involving a six day old baby that was not breathing. Upon his arrival, Deputy Rankin immediately began CPR on the baby. The child responded to the CPR and began breathing again. The baby is doing well thanks to the immediate lifesaving action of Deputy Rankin.

Deputy Adrian Leos (Purple Heart) and Officer Michael Bloomer (Life Saving) – On April 24th, 2009 Deputy Leos and Officer Bloomer were in pursuit of a homicide suspect when they lost control of their vehicle. Their vehicle overturned and landed in an irrigation canal. Deputy Leos was unconscious and trapped under water. Officer Bloomer, in spite of his own injuries climbed out of the vehicle and pulled Deputy Leos to safety, ultimately saving his life. Deputy Leos will be receiving the Purple Heart award because of the injuries he sustained while attempting to apprehend the homicide suspect and Officer Bloomer will be awarded a Life Saving Medal.

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office
971 N. Jason Lopez Circle, Building C
Florence, Arizona 85231
http://pinalcountyaz.gov/Departments/Sheriff/Pages/Home.aspx

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