Lancaster deputy awarded Medal of Valor for de-escalating suicidal incident
LANCASTER, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office received a Medal of Valor for responding to a shooting call that involved a man who was threatening suicide, the sheriff’s office announced on Tuesday.
Deputy Thomas Luke Humanik was presented with the award on Jan. 25 by the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association at the Sheriffs’ Association winter conference in Columbia.
The Medal of Valor is given to an officer who demonstrates exceptional courage in the line of duty.
Deputy Humanik was the first to arrive at the scene, officials said. The man and his family were experiencing financial difficulties and he was also drinking at the time.
Before deputies arrived, officials said the man fired a shot from a handgun inside the home which did not hurt anyone. When Deputy Humanik arrived, the man stepped onto the front steps with the pistol pointed at his head.
Other deputies arrived at the scene and the man walked into the street, sat down, and continued to point the gun to his head.
During the incident, the man fired the gun into the air twice. Shortly after, his girlfriend ran out of the house and into the street with him and deputies were able to get her out of harm’s way.
Over the next 10 to 12 minutes, Deputy Humanik talked with the man in a calm, compassionate, and reassuring voice to let him know people cared about him and that help was available. He was able to convince the man to put the pistol down and walk away from it. He was then detained for his safety without incident or injury to anyone.
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“After reviewing this incident, it was obvious that Luke recognized the gravity of the situation, yet he maintained his composure and relied upon his training as a deputy and a military police officer to bring this matter to a peaceful end with no injuries to anyone. Deputy Humanik was concerned about and took appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the man, his girlfriend, his fellow deputies, and citizens in the area. He embodies what it means to be a true public servant, and through his bravery he clearly put himself last in order to save this young man’s life.”
Sheriff Barry Faile
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