Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Deputies Earn State Medal of Honor

Two Yakima County Sheriff's Deputies are being honored in Olympia Friday. Sgt. Brian Jackson and Deputy Jesus Silva are being presented with the Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor during a special ceremony.

YAKIMA COUNTY SHERIFF BOB UDELL SAYS BOTH ARE BEING HONORED FOR SAVING A DRIVER'S LIFE

Yakima County Sheriff Bob Udell says both deserve the medal which he says is "a symbol of Exceptionally Meritorious Conduct While in the Performance of Duty."
He says the award is reserved for the most courageous and selfless actions. Udell says both deputies are being honored for helping a driver in a crash in Granger in 2023.

BOTH DEPUTIES RISKED THEIR LIVES TRYING TO SAVE THE DRIVER

Udell says Deputy Jesus Silva was dispatched to one car crash and car fire in the Granger area in 2023. When he arrived he found the driver under the burning vehicle. Silva along with Sgt. Brian Jackson worked together to save the driver's life. Udell says Deputy Silva first tried to reach the man but wasn't able to get to the man because of the fire. He then used his patrol vehicle to push the burning car away from the driver to save the person's life.

THE SHERIFF SAYS BOTH DEPUTIES WERE SURPRISED WHEN THEY WERE TOLD OF BEING HONORED

Udell says the "community is immensely proud of both of them for earning the ultimate award a law enforcement officer can achieve in this state. Their bravery and selflessness are a testament to the values we hold dear."
Udell says when he told the two men they were being honored both were surprised saying they were simply doing their jobs.