FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEERFIELD SERGEANT WHEATLEY
RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD
United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
Citation of Commendation Awarded for Apprehending Suspect
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP, OH – December 12, 2005 –
Although he says he was just doing his job, Sergeant Doug Wheatley of the
Deerfield Township Post of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office is a hero to the
victim he rescued from an attack. The United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association
(U.S.D.S.A.) has recognized Sgt. Wheatley with the U.S.D.S.A. Law Enforcement
Recognition Program Award for his brave actions. He was featured in the summer
edition of the U.S.D.S.A. magazine, and presented with a Citation of
Commendation and a medal.
Sgt.
Wheatley was on duty on the night of January 7, 2005, when he received a call
for help about 10 p.m. from the Kings Luxury Hotel. When Sgt. Wheatley arrived,
hotel guest John Rigos of New York was unconscious in the parking lot where
suspect Donald Miller was standing over him. Witnesses said Miller had
repeatedly kicked Rigos who suffered a shattered left shoulder, inner ear damage
and a concussion. Sgt. Wheatley chased Miller, tackled him, pulled his pistol
and ordered him to remain on the ground. Miller was charged with aggravated
robbery for taking the victim’s driver’s license.
“There
is not a lot of violent crime in this community,” Sgt. Wheatley said. “This is
something we don’t see every day. However, it does rear its ugly head from time
to time.”
Wheatley says he is proud to serve with the Deerfield Township Post and “any of
the Deerfield deputies would have done the same thing I did. I am only one link
in the chain. It is a testament to the quality of law enforcement we have in the
Township.”
Sgt.
Wheatley’s wife, Melissa, nominated him for the award.
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