Nick McWilliams reporting – Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Deputy Heath Manbeck received formal recognition for his quick thinking and selfless actions during an emergency call.
On Easter Sunday, Manbeck arrived at a Bolivar modular home that was on fire prior to fire crews arriving, and quickly took matters into his own hands, as the resident was trapped inside.
The sheriff’s deputy who is currently on assignment in Lawrence Township entered the home, crawled below the thick cloud of smoke that had formed, and was able to retrieve the man, who is an amputee, but getting him into his wheelchair and moving him outside.
Manbeck brought his mother, father, and grandmother for the recognition, and kept his remarks short, claiming he was simply sticking to the oath he took.
“Thank you commissioners and Sheriff [Orvis] Campbell, but as I said, it is just kind of the nature of the job. It’s outside the normal scope of law enforcement, but, I had no problem doing it.”
The man was attempting to cook French fires, but spilled hot grease, leading to a fire on the home’s carpet.
Campbell had high praise for Manbeck, noting that it’s not every day a deputy is able to save a life.
“The gentleman was treated for smoke inhalation, and I’m sure that within minutes, it would’ve been a very, very bad ending. I’ve been with the sheriff’s office now for 29 years, and lived in the county 32 years, and I have never saved a life. It is not something that we take lightly. It is probably the ultimate job for a sheriff.”
As a part of the recognition, the deputy received an award through the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, a uniform pin for saving a life, and a formal proclamation from the Tuscarawas County Commissioners.
During the commissioner’s meeting, Chris Abbuhl, Kerry Metzger, and Al Landis praised the selflessness and dedication to protecting the county displayed by Manbeck.
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