Sheriff's Department Honoring Local Deputies

Over the past week, several of our San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies were honored for going above and beyond the normal demands of the law enforcement profession. Thank you Deputies, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Deputy Ty Chamberlain, Victorville Police Department

Congratulations to Deputy Ty Chamberlain of  Victorville Police Department on receiving the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Lifesaving Award!

On May 28 2020, Deputy Chamberlain responded to a traffic collision where two cars collided head-on and one of the cars caught fire. Chamberlain noticed the driver’s leg was pinned and he was badly injured. As Chamberlain attempted to free him, the flames erupted inside the cab. Chamberlain used his fire extinguisher to keep the fire off of the man. The Fire Department arrived just as Chamberlain depleted his last fire extinguisher and they were able to extinguish the fire. Chamberlain’s actions saved the man’s life.

Deputy Starsun Fincel, Victorville Police Department

Congratulations to Deputy Starsun Fincel from Victorville Police Department on receiving the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Lifesaving Award!

On April 21, 2020, Deputy Fincel responded to a home to check on a 90-year-old grandmother who lived alone. When Fincel arrived, he began searching the home for her. He found her on the floor in her room next to her bed, she was conscious, breathing faintly with a suspected fractured hip. Fincel called for medical personnel and provided first aid. The woman had been on the floor for the past 36 hours, she was taken to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Deputy Andrew Montoya, Hesperia Police Department

Congratulations to Deputy Andrew Montoya from the Hesperia Police Department on receiving the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's Lifesaving Award!

On March 23, 2020, Deputy Montoya went to a medical aid call. When he arrived, he found a woman unresponsive on the floor without a pulse. Montoya performed CPR and after about three minutes, she began to breathe. The Fire Department transported her to the hospital where she made a full recovery.

Deputy David Wagner, Colorado River Station

Congratulations to Deputy David Wagner of the Colorado River Station, who was awarded a Medal of Valor by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

On the night of May 4, 2019, Deputy David Wagner from the Colorado River Station conducted a traffic stop near the I-15/Lenwood Dr in Barstow. During the stop, he saw the passenger had a gun in his waistband. Wagner drew his handgun and ordered the suspect out of the car. The suspect got out of the car and ran.

As Deputy Wagner chased him, the suspect turned and shot at him. Deputy Wagner returned fire as the suspect continued running into an abandon shopping center. Wagner continued to follow, and the suspect turned several times and shot at him. Wagner returned fire mindful of the backdrop to ensure his rounds would not injure innocent bystanders.

Wagner eventually lost sight of him in the darkness and maintained observation on the shopping center while he waited for backing units. When additional units arrived, they found the suspect hiding in a bathroom. Deputy Wagner is commended for his initiative, attention to duty, and calmness and courage in the face of danger.

Thank you to all of our fine men and women serving in law enforcement. Your bravery and quick actions in times of peril are inspiring and much appreciated.