JULY 15, 2008

COUNTY LEGISLATOR WROBLEWSKI HONORS DEPUTY FROM WEST SENECA FOR RECEIVING NATIONAL AWARD

Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Wroblewski (D-West Seneca, South Cheektowaga) and the County Legislature recently honored Erie County Sheriff's Office Deputy Thomas Meredith for being named the National Sheriff's Association Deputy of the Year.

Deputy Meredith, of West Seneca, received a proclamation sponsored by Legislator Wroblewski, chair of the Public Safety Committee, before the Legislature's regular session last week.

The national award was presented to Deputy Meredith based on actions he took to save the life of a Grand Island woman July 25, 2007. Deputy Meredith was patrolling Grand Island when he received a radio call of domestic trouble/attempted suicide. He responded to the call and was told by a citizen that a man was in the house hurting a woman. As Deputy Meredith approached, he observed a male and female arguing. He heard a gun shot and notified radio that he had "shots fired."

The female ran from the house screaming for help while being chased by the male, who held a handgun. Deputy Meredith yelled to the man to drop the weapon, identifying himself as a police officer. The subject pointed the gun in the direction of the deputy; Deputy Meredith could not fire because the female victim was in his line of fire. The suspect shot at the female and continued to chase her, firing at her as they ran. Deputy Meredith again ordered the man to drop his weapon. The suspect turned toward him; realizing he had a clear shot, Deputy Meredith fired at the suspect; the suspect fired at the woman again. Deputy Meredith continued to chase the suspect, firing his weapon when possible. He saw that the female victim had been shot by the suspect and was bleeding from her shoulder area. The victim reached a house a few doors down the street and was cornered by the suspect. Deputy Meredith again identified himself as a police officer and ordered the suspect to drop the weapon. The suspect shot the victim again and turned his attention to the officer.

Deputy Meredith again had a clear shot; as the woman was able to enter the house, Deputy Meredith fired and hit the suspect, who went down. Deputy Meredith approached the suspect and, after being sure he was safe to do so, Deputy Meredith started to treat the suspect by performing CPR on him. It was later discovered that the suspect had pipe bombs in the back pack he was wearing. The suspect's apartment in Niagara Falls was searched and several bombs and bomb making material were secured.

Deputy Meredith's actions saved the life of the woman, who later recovered from her three gun shot wounds. His actions also may have saved the lives of several other people who lived in the suspect's apartment building where the other bombs and weapons were discovered.

"Deputy Meredith exemplifies the brave, dedicated, hard working men and women who work for the Erie County Sheriff's Office, whose often heroic actions keep us safe from harm," Legislator Wroblewski said. "I am honored that Deputy Meredith, a resident of the 9th District, was here to receive this proclamation honoring him from the County Legislature."

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