Deputy Honored

Woodmen of the World Insurance recently presented a Life Saving Award to Lexington County Sheriff’s Department Resident Deputy Joe Auckerman during an awards banquet at the organization’s office at 3620 Augusta Road, West Columbia.

Woodmen of the World recognized Auckerman for his actions on January 13, when Auckerman used his firearm to fatally shoot a pit bull that was attacking a 10-year-old girl outside a home on Bethlehem Circle near Leesville.

Auckerman, 30, of Leesville, serves as the resident deputy for the Gilbert, Hollow Creek and Summit communities. I hired Auckerman on November 28, 2005.

At about 11:11 a.m. on January 13, Auckerman arrived at the home on Bethlehem Circle in response to a call for help that was placed to the Sheriff’s Department.

When Auckerman arrived at the home, Auckerman found that the pit bull was on top of the 10-year-old girl, biting the girl and shaking her violently. Auckerman ran towards the girl, removed his service weapon from its holster and positioned himself so that he could safely aim his firearm at the dog from a distance of about eight feet. Auckerman then fatally shot the pit bull in order to eliminate the threat that the dog posed to the girl and Auckerman.

Auckerman went to aid the 10-year-old girl. A portion of a cable that had been used unsuccessfully to restrain the pit bull was wrapped around the girl’s neck and upper torso.

Auckerman and Andy Taylor, who is a volunteer firefighter with the Lexington County Fire Service, bandaged wounds that the 10-year-old girl suffered when the pit bull bit her. The girl suffered life-threatening injuries to her neck and arms in the dog attack.

I am pleased that Woodmen of the World recognized Joe for his heroic actions and professionalism in saving the 10-year-old girl’s life. Woodmen of the World strongly supports the men and women of the Sheriff’s Department.