‘Hero’ deputy recognized for saving man from Easter Day fire
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (May 19, 2022) – Tuscarawas County officials this week are recognizing a sheriff’s deputy who risked his life to save a wheelchair-bound man from an Easter Day house fire in Lawrence Township.
Sheriff Orvis Campbell says Deputy Heath Manbeck was the first responder on the scene after the resident accidently started a kitchen fire when he tried to make french fries.
“The house was completely black and smoke-filled,” Campbell said. “The fire chief was the second one on scene. The fire chief went in after Heath and came out hacking and coughing and having a very hard time breathing. Heath got down on the ground, crawled to the guy, got the guy back in his wheelchair, and was able to get him out.”
Manbeck says he was just doing his job.
“At the time I was just doing what needed to be done,” he said.
Commissioners and other officials praised the deputy’s actions.
Commissioner Kerry Metzger: “I know you’re modest, but you are a true hero here in Tuscarawas County.”
Commissioner Al Landis: “Saving a life is one thing, putting your own life at risk is true heroism.”
“We’re very appreciative and thankful to have Heath in our township,” said Lawrence Trustree Don Ackerman. “We’re thankful for all our safety personnel that we have. We’re blessed to have people like Heath.
At Wednesday’s commissioners meeting, Campbell presented Manbeck with an award and uniform pin from the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association.