Three Newton County Sheriff Deputies received the Sheriff’s Merit award for their outstanding service in a life-saving event. Sheriff Tom VanVleet commends the officers for their dedicated service in preventing what would have a tragic ending..

Chief Deputy Shannon Cothran summarized the February 25th, 2022 event... about 11:30 pm officers were dispatched to the area of CR 600E, in an attempt to locate a subject that fled the scene of a personal injury crash. In extreme weather conditions with heavy snow cover, officers tracked footprints for nearly 4 hours totaling over 7 miles until they located the man face down in a ditch. Officers rendered 1st aid until medical attention arrived. We are proud of these officer’s efforts, their actions and what they represent.  The sheriff's department also wants to thank Morocco Reserve Officer Gregory Robinson for his efforts and assistance. 

Sheriff VanVleet presented Deputies James Melton, Nathan Fenley and Joseph Mosley with their Merit Certificates and stated “It is no doubt that without the determination and hard work of these officers, this event would have had a tragic outcome."

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