A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR Deputy Thomas Humanik OF THE Lancaster COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FOR EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE IN THE FACE OF DANGER WHILE IN THE LINE OF DUTY AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM UPON RECEIVING THE SOUTH CAROLINA SHERIFFS' ASSOCIATION MEDAL OF VALOR AWARD.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that Deputy Thomas Humanik will be awarded the esteemed South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor Award during the association's Medal of Valor Ceremony on Thursday, January 25, 2024; and

Whereas, the Medal of Valor Award is presented to a deputy sheriff who performs actions above and beyond the call of duty; exhibits exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, and presence of mind; or acts with unusual swiftness, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life. Nominations are voted on by the Medal of Valor Committee, which is comprised of elected sheriffs; and

Whereas, on September 13, 2023, Deputy Humanik responded to a suicidal subject who was armed with a firearm.  Upon arrival, Deputy Humanik was met by the subject discharging a handgun into the air before pointing the weapon to his head.  Deputy Humanik remained calm under extreme pressure, maintained communication, and moved to a covered location; and

Whereas, as Deputy Humanik continued to speak with the subject, the subject again fired shots into the air.  Deputy Humanik maintained his composure, ensuring the subject that the Sheriff's Office was there for him and would get him the help he needed; and

Whereas, as other deputies arrived, Deputy Humanik kept the dialogue open, ensuring that the subject's attention stayed on him.  He kept other deputies calm by his own demeanor, remaining in charge of the situation despite being the junior deputy on scene.  Deputy Humanik ultimately talked the subject into dropping the weapon, and a successful and peaceful resolution was achieved; and

Whereas, Deputy T. Humanik demonstrated valor in the face of great adversity and personal risk.  His bravery and actions reflect great credit upon himself, the community, his training, and the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office; and

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is honored to recognize the heroism and determination of law enforcement officers and first responders like Deputy Humanik who protect and defend our citizens, putting the safety of others above their own personal safety.   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 Thomas Humanik of the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office for exceptional courage in the face of danger while in the line of duty and congratulate him upon receiving the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association Medal of Valor Award.

Be it further resolved that the copy of this resolution be presented to Deputy Thomas Humanik.

----XX---