Deputy Heroes Honored For Saving Occupants From Burning Building In West Norriton

Montgomery County Sheriff Sean P. Kilkenny and Chief Deputy T. Michael Beaty commended employees for their life-saving and customer service efforts duringa commendation ceremony in the courthouse last week.

MCSO Transportation and Detention Center Deps. Kelli Holbert and James Buckley were given Commendations for Heroism for their role in alerting and removing occupants during a building fire, before the arrival of first responders, the sheriff's office said.

“The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the county,” Kilkenny said. “We take great pride in being a part of such a professional and highly trained organization, whose primary goal is to serve and protect the citizens of the county.”

The incident in question occurred in West Norriton on May 9, 2016 at 3:10 p.m., the sheriff's office said. The pair spotted heavy smoke and flames coming from a building while they were stopped at a traffic light in West Norriton. Holbert and Buckley knocked on doors and windows to alert occupants, and were able to gain inside access through a front door to finish clearing the building before first responders arrived on the scene.

Holbert was later taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation.

Real Estate Division office support staff Christine Adams, Scott Elliott and Dolores Miller were also honored for "high levels of professionalism, customer service and work ethic despite the demands and sensitive nature of monthly sheriff sales," the sheriff's office said.

“There is a tremendous volume of paperwork and phone calls, especially leading up to the sale date,” said MCSO Policy Director and Office Manager Sonya Sanders. “Due to the sensitive nature of these sales, high levels of professionalism and compassion are required, in addition to meeting tight deadlines.”

Well done, officers and staff.

Image courtesy Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.