MCSO Deputies Recognized at 100 Club Banquet

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- The heroic efforts of three Montgomery County Sheriff’s officers who saved a man from his burning vehicle in November of 2007 were recognized at the Houston/Harris County 100 Club Awards Banquet in May. A Montgomery County Sheriff’s investigator was also recognized for his investigative work that resulted in the arrest and prosecution of individuals who were plotting to kill a Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy.

Deputy Justin Hamilton, Cpl. Kenneth “Rowdy” Hayden, and Deputy Duane LeBeau each received Life Saving Awards from Sheriff Tommy Gage earlier in the year. At the banquet, the trio was awarded the prestigious 100 Club Award for their part in rescuing the driver of an 18 wheeler, who was trapped in the wreckage of a fiery multiple-vehicle pileup on U.S. 59.

The cab of the 18-wheeler was on fire and was on the verge of being consumed when the deputies arrived. Deputy LeBeau used his night stick to break the window, while the group attacked the fire in vain with extinguishers. The driver’s foot was pinned under the gas pedal, and his shirt sleeve was caught on one of the pipes that went thought the cab. The deputies with the assistance of wrecker driver T.J. Knox persisted and pulled the driver from the truck just before the fire consumed the cab.

Investigator Jeff Wells, with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, worked tirelessly to bring to justice individuals with ties to the Aryan Circle and other hate groups who were plotting to kill a Montgomery County deputy. Wells uncovered the plot and relentlessly investigated the case where the suspects had planned to place a bomb on the deputy’s vehicle with no regard if the act killed the deputy or members of the deputy’s family. Well’s actions were instrumental in preventing a horrendous crime from being carried out.

Information Source: Lt. Dan Norris – Administrative Services / PIO