Last week, Deputy Chris Culler from the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office and 1st Lieutenant Paul Dangelo were honored by the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association (BSSA) for their actions on May 30, 2024, which helped save the life of Jeffery Davis.
Deputy Culler received the BSSA Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor a deputy can receive, for his quick thinking and bravery during a dangerous situation.
Dangelo, a civilian, was awarded the Citizen’s Award for Valor.
This award is given to non-law enforcement individuals who risk their own safety to help law enforcement officers.
Dangelo’s actions were crucial in ensuring a successful rescue.
Both were praised for their courage and quick response in a life-threatening situation.
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On Friday, May 31st the following was reported:
Thursday morning, Champaign County dispatchers were notified that Deputy Chris Culler was involved in a crash at the intersection of State Route 161 and South Parkview Road.
When emergency crews arrived on the scene they found that a BMW driven by Jeffrey Davis, 55, of Grove City, didn’t stop at a stop sign and pulled out in front of the deputy’s cruiser causing a crash.
Davis then left the road, going through a yard, and crashed into a pond.
The car began to sink into the pond with Davis still inside.
Once Culler freed himself from his damaged patrol vehicle, he dove in to help rescue Davis who was struggling to get out of his car.
Paul D’Angelo, who lives in the area, helped the deputy to get Davis out of his car.
Davis was flown to Miami Valley Hospital.
Culler was treated for minor injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
