Hays County Sheriff Honors And Promotes Hays County Deputies

On November 24, 2017, Hays County Deputies were ambushed by a lone gunman that resulted in one deputy suffering a gunshot wound and heroic actions by several other deputies.

On April 4, 2018, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler had the honor of recognizing and promoting several deputies at an awards ceremony held at the Hays County Government Center.

The following Corrections Bureau employees were promoted by Sheriff Cutler to their new rank:

• Corrections Corporal Reuben Laging
• Corrections Corporal John Tomlin
• Corrections Corporal Jacob Wardlow Corrections Sergeant Pete Chaney

The following Law Enforcement Bureau employees were promoted by Sheriff Cutler to their new rank:

• Law Enforcement Deputy Andres Vega
• Law Enforcement Corporal Adam McLeod
• Law Enforcement Sergeant Brad Doring
• Law Enforcement Sergeant Ronny Torres
• Law Enforcement Lieutenant Michael Briggs
• Law Enforcement Lieutenant Shane Smith

Sheriff Cutler presented agency awards to the following employees:

The Life Saving Medal was awarded to Hays County Citizen Antonio Yaya and Deputy Benjamin Gieselman for extracting the driver of a burning vehicle involved in a motor vehicle crash on July 3, 2017, in the area of Sawyer Ranch Rd and HWY 290.

On November 24, 2017, Hays County Deputies were ambushed by a lone gunman that resulted in one deputy suffering a gunshot wound and heroic actions by several other deputies.

The gunman was shot by deputies during the ambush, and he later succumbed to his injuries. The following deputies received medals for their actions that day:

Sheriffs Commendation Medal: Corporal Leigh Treat. Corporal Treat assumed command of the chaotic crime scene, set up perimeter defenses, directed support and logistical responses. Through his leadership and command presence preserved the scene and rendered aid as needed to subordinate deputies.

Purple Heart: Deputy Benjamin Gieselman. During the close quarters gun battle exchange Deputy Gieselman received numerous shotgun pellet wounds to his hand, legs and groin area.

Medal of Valor: Deputy Matthew Abbott, Deputy Benjamin Gieselman and Deputy Adam McCleod. During the close quarter gun battle Deputy Gieselman was able to return suppressive fire while Deputy Abbott and Deputy McCleod used direct fire that led to the gunman being neutralized.

Medal of Honor: Deputy Brian Bedingfield and Sergeant Jon Craigmile. Sergeant Craigmile and Deputy Bedingfield were able to direct suppressive fire toward the suspect when it became evident that Deputy Benjamin Gieselman was wounded and laying on the rural road & incapacitated from his injuries.

Without regard to their own lives and safety Sergeant Jon Craigmile and Deputy Brian Bedingfield ceased offensive actions and with steadfast determination, courage and valor performed a hasty “HOT” medical rescue and evacuation of Deputy Gieselman.

Sheriff Cutler extended his deepest appreciation to all those who received promotions and awards and to his entire staff for the outstanding work that they do on a daily basis.