On Dec. 21, Chautauqua County Legislator Terry Niebel (R-Dunkirk) delivered a commendation to sheriff’s deputies Deputies Jason Beichner and Christopher Howlett (center) for their help in saving the life of a motorcycle accident victim earlier this year. County sheriff Joe Gerace (right) was also on hand to deliver the Sheriff’s Award for Excellence.
MAYVILLE – Two Chautauqua County Sheriff’s deputies received commendations from the County Legislature during Wednesday night’s voting session.
Deputies Jason Beichner and Christopher Howlett were recognized for their emergency response to a motorcycle crash that occurred on November 18 in the town of Arkwright.
Sheriff Gerace says deputies saved a motorcyclist who had his leg severed by the crash.
“When your deputies arrived at the scene this individual had suffered a complete leg amputation, about at the knee,” Gerace explained. “He was bleeding out and they immediately responded, put on a tourniquet, and stopped the bleeding. I got a call that evening from the medical crew from Starflight helicopter and they said, ‘You’ve got a couple of heroes in your agency. This kid wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for them.'”
Following his comments, Sheriff Gerace presented both deputies with the Sheriff’s Office “Award For Excellence.”
Derek is one lucky man ! He’s a great guy, and he’s doing remarkably well ! Thank you, deputies, for helping him that day !! He’s one of my daughter’s very good friends. This world needs more people who jump in to help when they see something like this happen. God bless you both, and all the police officers out there !!