By Jacob Martin, The Preston County News and Journal
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Three Preston County officers were recently awarded certificates of honor from the West Virginia Governor’s Office, the West Virginia State Senate and the Office of Congressman Riley Moore for their decisive action that saved the life of Joe Bittinger following a bear attack in the Rowlesburg/Manheim area.
Cpl. Levi Hall, of the West Virginia State Police, along with Deputy Ryan Deal and Cpl. Randy Stockett Jr. of the Preston County Sheriff’s Office, each received three certificates to commemorate their service to their fellow man.
The officers were surprised with the awards during a meeting at the Preston County Sheriff’s office. Kennedy Roberts, area representative for Moore, presented the certificates alongside Bittinger, Sheriff Scott Spiker, Sgt. Scott Schlobohm, West Virginia State Troopers, Sheriffs Deputies, and other community officials.
During the presentation, Spiker said following the bear attack, he had reached out to Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the West Virginia Senate. Officials of those offices had seen it fit to respond with certificates for the officers, he said.