H 4748  Concurrent Resolution, By B.Newton, Lucas, McGarry and Yow
 A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEPUTY LEONARD "LEE" JESUELE OF
 THE LANCASTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA
 SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

   01/12/22  House  Introduced, adopted, sent to Senate
                     (House Journal-page 21)
   01/13/22  Senate Introduced, adopted, returned with concurrence
                     (Senate Journal-page 8)

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DEPUTY LEONARD "LEE" JESUELE OF THE LANCASTER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to salute the heroic service of law enforcement officers like Deputy Leonard "Lee" Jesuele who put the safety of their fellow citizens above their own; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor is awarded to any deputy sheriff who performs actions above and beyond the call of duty; who exhibits exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or who performs with an unusual swiftness of action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life; and

Whereas, on October 8, 2021, Deputy Lee Jesuele and several other deputies responded to an apartment in Lancaster County regarding a missing person investigation. Investigators had been searching for a missing person who suffered from mental health issues; and

Whereas, after exhausting all options, deputies were eventually forced to enter the missing person's apartment to check on his welfare. The subject was located in the bedroom of the home, armed with a firearm and appearing to be in mental distress; and

Whereas, deputies attempted to negotiate with the subject to no avail, during which time Deputy Jesuele remained calm and professional. The subject eventually opened fire, striking Deputy Jesuele in the leg; and

Whereas, even after being struck by gunfire, Deputy Jesuele showed tremendous courage by returning fire and ultimately stopping the threat. Under extreme life-threatening circumstances, Deputy Jesuele maintained his composure and reacted quickly to defend himself and his coworkers; and

Whereas, grateful for his exceptional courage on behalf of the citizens of the Lancaster County, the General Assembly takes great pleasure in applauding his heroic actions. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor Deputy Leonard "Lee" Jesuele of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Leonard "Lee" Jesuele.