Lancaster County Sheriff Deputy Receives Medal Of Valor

LANCASTER CO., S.C. – Lancaster County Sheriff Deputy Thomas Luke Humanik received a Medal of Valor for his actions during a shooting call.

Deputy Humanik responded to the shooting call, which evolved into an armed man threatening suicide, according to a media release. The release states that Deputy Humanik talked calmly with the man for 10-12 minutes, reassuring him that he was loved and cared for.

Before the deputy arrived on the scene, the Sheriff’s Office states that the man had been drinking and fired a shot inside the house, and later stepped outside with the gun pointed to his head. The release additionally claims the man fired two shots from the handgun outside.

Deputy Humanik was able to convince the man to lay his handgun down, where he was later detained for his safety without injury to anyone, according to the report.

Sheriff Barry Faile nominated Deputy Humanik for the Medal of Valor and had this to say about the situation.

“After reviewing this incident, it was obvious that Luke recognized the gravity of the situation, yet he maintained his composure and relied upon his training as a deputy and a military police officer to bring this matter to a peaceful end with no injuries to anyone. Deputy Humanik was concerned about and took appropriate actions to ensure the safety of the man, his girlfriend, his fellow deputies, and citizens in the area. He embodies what it means to be a true public servant, and through his bravery he clearly put himself las tin order to save this young man’s life.”