Deputy Simmerman honored for life-saving actions in Freeport call

When Harrison County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Simmerman received a distress call for a Freeport address, he did not know exactly what he would find. The call was for a “self-inflicted” knife wound, and it turned out to be severe. But Simmerman, along with first responders from Bowerston and Freeport, were able to save the man’s life.

Sheriff Mark Touville, on Friday, March 20, became emotional while reading the life-saving award in a surprise ceremony as Simmerman walked into a room full of waiting smiles in Touville’s office. Simmerman, with those first responders present, was being recognized for his “courageous and decisive actions,” which occurred Feb. 28.

The citation stated Simmerman was near the end of his shift that day when he responded and took immediate action to save the man’s life. Simmerman’s actions stabilized the individual until EMS from Freeport and Bowerston arrived. Touville said the individual was eventually taken to Cleveland Metro Hospital, but he had lost a lot of blood and needed to be stabilized along the way.

“Your actions demonstrated exceptional presence of mind, professionalism and dedication to preserving human life. Without your quick intervention and commitment to duty, the outcome of this incident could have been tragically different,” Touville read from the citation.

“Your conduct reflects the highest standards of the Sheriff’s Office and serves as an example of the courage and compassion expected of those who wear the badge,” Touville continued before becoming emotional and stopping.

“I get emotional,” Touville said, which prompted Simmerman to say he was tearing up.

“We recommend you for your outstanding service and for embodying the core mission of law enforcement — to protect and preserve life.”

Touville then turned the ceremony over to Adam Reardon of the Bowerston Fire Department, who read that department’s acknowledgment of Simmerman’s actions. He also noted the life-saving actions of others in the community who step up when needed. He said it was an honor to serve next to the “consummate professionals” in the sheriff’s office.

“Deputy Simmerman is an outstanding representative of what partnership in emergency services can accomplish,” Reardon said.

“We thank everybody for the job you do every day,” Touville said, ending the ceremony.