By JESSICA BRICKER
A sheriff’s deputy has been recognized for his lifesaving actions while responding to a large fire in Bluffton last month.
Sgt. James Agler, who recently became daytime sergeant with the Wells County Sheriff’s Department, was introduced as the 2022 “Law Officer of the Year” during Saturday’s American Legion Post 111 birthday dinner. Chief Deputy Randy Steele said the award was for Agler’s actions on Feb. 24 while responding to a fire at the Capri II apartment complex.
“Once on scene, Sgt. Agler went into the burning building to assist residents. One of the residents in particular was a blind gentleman. Sgt. Agler guided the gentleman to the stairway,” Steele said. “Once at the stairway, Sgt. Agler placed the gentleman on his back and carried him down three flights of stairs.”
After ensuring the man received medical attention, Steele said Agler went back inside to assist more residents.
“According to firemen on the scene,” Steele added, “if not for the actions of Sgt. Agler and other law enforcement personnel, lives definitely would have been lost.”
Agler, an Adams Central graduate, previously worked for the Bluffton Police Department, joining the WCSD in 2016.
He and his wife Brookelyn have two children.
jessica@news-banner.com
