Lexington, VA (October 23, 2009) - Rockbridge County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Scott Bedell was awarded a Sons of the American Revolution Law Enforcement Medal from Col. Richard D. Weede, USMC (Retired) today, taking him by total surprise.
According to Weede, the SAR's first recipient of its Law Enforcement Medal for service was Director of the FBI, J. Edgar Hoover, in 1968.
The medal was created to recognize persons in law enforcement who have served with distinction and devotion. Awardees contributions exceed requirements and expectations of their job description.
"Today, as president of the Rockbridge Volunteers Chapter of the SAR, it is my honor to award the SAR Law Enforcement Medal to Sgt. Scott Bedell," Weede said.
"Sgt. Bedell has been a deputy Sheriff since 1998. Scott is a certified dive member of the underwater search and recovery unit an dis on the emergency response team. In that regard, he resonded to the food area at South River in 2003 and personally carried several people from flooded areas - individuals wwho were unable to remove themselves from the hazardous situation.
"He is a shift sergeant and responsible for the safety and oversight of the deputies assigned to that shift. In addition to his patrol duties, he is the department's field training officer.
"On 12 March 2009, Sgt. Bedell responded to a structure fire at the Phi Kappa Phi frat house, quickly ascertained from the students outside the burning building that a frat brother remained inside. He, along with an officer from the W&L Security force, went inside - to the third floor - discovered the asleep student and removed him to safety - thus undoubtedly saving the young man's life.
"Citizens of Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County are so very fortunate to have such dedicated and professional law enforcement agencies protecting us and our families. It is indeed an honor to recognize one of the fine men and women who do so much for us all."
Weede then pinned the medal on Bedell and Sheriff Bob Day congratulated the well-known deputy for receiving the honor and thanked him for his service.
(A brief video of Bedell receiving his honor is available at:
Bedell Honored By SAR |  | Sgt. Scott Bedell (left) is thanked for his long service to the community by Rockbridge County Sheriff Bob Day after Bedell was honored by the local SAR for his meritorious performance on a number of occasions. (J. E. Clark photo)
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