Sgt. Steven Blake “Blake” WEATHERSBEE^{[1, 2, 3]}

• Name	Steven Blake “Blake” WEATHERSBEE  [4, 5, 6, 7]
  Prefix	Sgt.
  Gender	Male
  Education	he graduated from Clarendon Hall and the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy  [4, 5]
  HIST	Sumter sergeant gets $10K grant for injuries in line of duty Sgt. Weathersbee says he has ‘no ill will, intent’ for family of assailant From left, Camrin Northrop, Sgt. Blake Weathersbee, Zechariah Cartledge and his father, Chad, were all smiles at the presentation of the Running 4 Heroes $10,000 grant for Injured First Responders presented to Weathersbee on Monday, Dec. 19. ALAYSHA MAPLE / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2022 6:00 am BY ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com What once was a moment of tragedy turned into a story of triumph and forgiveness. The Sumter County Sheriff's Office welcomed members of the Running 4 Heroes Foundation to its headquarters to show appreciation for one of their brothers in black and gold, Sgt. Blake Weathersbee. Born in Sumter, Weathersbee is a nearly 18-year veteran with the sheriff's office and a former firefighter. He has seen the best and worst of the job and has been in the vicinity of gunshots, never struck by one. That is, until the morning of Sept. 25. He and a couple of deputies were enjoying a hot breakfast when a domestic disturbance call came in. According to the deputy, a male suspect, later identified as Leroy Quick Jr., was "tearing up vehicles with an axe," which then escalated to the suspect cutting power to a house. In pursuit to the address along Cains Mill Road, the deputies were alerted that the suspect set fire to the house. Weathersbee said the deputies were unaware of where Quick was but knew the female victim was not at the house. When they arrived, Weathersbee saw flames coming from the garage - the large door had been closed. As he cut through the yard and kept his eyes on a car whose doors were opened, he heard something go off in the garage. When he turned toward the commotion, he saw what appeared to be a man, a flash and then heard the bang of a gun before he felt a bullet hit him in his lower left leg. Weathersbee went to the ground and returned fire. Another deputy on scene dragged Weathersbee behind a vehicle, where he waited until more backup arrived. Quick was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound when other deputies arrived and was pronounced dead at a Columbia hospital later that morning. The injury was self-inflicted, according to Maj. Randall Stewart. Weathersbee underwent surgery that Sunday morning and was released that Monday afternoon. He returned that Wednesday for outpatient surgery and has since been going to physical therapy three times a week for almost two months. He currently has a mechanical blockage in his ankle, which prevents him from having full range of motion in his foot. Doctors don't have a specific timespan for recovery, and there may be more surgeries to come, Weathersbee said. He's unsure of when, or even if, he will come back to the agency, but his hopes are to put on that uniform again, and his wife, Sarah, shares the same sentiment. "We prayed for 17 years that he would go to work and come home safely, and somebody said, 'Are you going to let him go back to patrol?' 'Well, yeah, if he can.' 'How are you going to handle that?' 'I'm going to continue to pray; that's all I can do,'" she said. While on leave, Weathersbee has spent his days at home with his wife and their children. Every now and then, he makes his way to the sheriff's office to see his friends and colleagues. "Obviously I can't do anything because my leg is still broken, so I come up here and hang around the guys. At least that way I kind of feel like somebody," he said, followed by a warm smile. His fellow deputies are happy to have him in any way they can and show their support through phone calls, text messages, short visits, gift giving, cooking and more. But one deputy in particular, Sgt. Wesley Floyd, decided to show his support by nominating Weathersbee for the Running 4 Heroes Injured First Responders grant. Running 4 Heroes started in 2019 as a nonprofit seeking to bring awareness and financial relief to those who have fallen in the line of duty. According to the nonprofit's website, Zechariah Cartledge, founder of Running 4 Heroes, was "born with the gift of running." He was raised to appreciate first responders and all they do for the community, and as he grew older, he decided to help the families of the fallen in a special way. With one foot in front of the other and inspired by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Cartledge began to raise money for families through running in 2020. He runs one mile for every first responder "who makes the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," the website said. Each month, the nonprofit donates a minimum of $10,000 to a first responder injured in the line of duty. As of October 2022, Running 4 Heroes has awarded more than $347,000 to injured first responders. Weathersbee was the nonprofit's 41st grant recipient, bringing the total awarded to more than $360,000. "I thought it was a joke at first," he said, laughing along with his wife. "We're thankful for it. It's definitely going to help as far as getting back on track with things." Cartledge decided to run Sunday night in honor of Stuttgart, Arkansas, officer Sgt. Donald Scoby, who died in the line of duty on Dec. 16. Weathersbee and his family was there to witness it. "While we were sitting there, listening to the sirens going and watching Zach run his laps, I just thought that run could have been for him," Sarah said, pointing to her husband. "It's been difficult dealing with his recovery, but also, I'm very thankful that he is recovering and that he's still here." As were many of the family and friends of Weathersbee inside the sheriff's office. Cartledge presented Weathersbee with the $10,000 check on Monday. The jokes were endless, just like the hugs and expressions of gratitude to and from everyone in the room. Looking back on the experience, Weathersbee said it's expected in this line of work, but he does not hold anger toward anyone involved in the situation. The family said despite their hardships, their thoughts and prayers have been with Quick's family throughout the ordeal. "I don't have any hard feeling or anything towards the family of the gentleman. I don't know what happened; he may have just lost his way, but I have no ill will or intent towards them or anyone else," he said. "It's unfortunate that we meet people on their worst days a lot of time; that's just how it is." LOOKING FOR YOUNG RUNNERS Running 4 Heroes is looking for youth runners to run alongside Zechariah or in honor of fallen first responders. Camrin Northrop, director for Running 4 Heroes, is a firefighter in Sumter and a local connection to the nonprofit. Anyone interested in running or working with the nonprofit can email Camrin@Running4Heroes.org or call (845) 649-1423. Sumter Post 15 honors 5 first responders with annual awards; sheriff ’s deputy is named Law Enforcement Officer of the Year This year's recipients of the American Legion Post 15's annual Public Safety Awards on Monday, Feb. 6, are from left, Detention Officer of the Year Senior Cpl. Tamiko Gregg-Wright, Firefighter of the Year Lt. James Hemby Smith, Sheriff's Deputy of the Year Staff Sgt. Blake Weathersbee, Police Officer of the Year Cpl. James Salmon and EMS Technician of the Year Private Taylor Harvin. SHELBIE GOULDING / THE SUMTER ITEM Posted Thursday, February 9, 2023 6:00 am BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com Expressions of gratitude were shared among family members, coworkers and friends inside the American Legion Post 15's building on Monday night. Among those remarks was a common phrase heard often in the "Uncommon Patriotism" community of Sumter - "Thank you for your service." Members of the veterans organization, community leaders and residents attended the Post 15's annual Public Safety Awards to honor five first responders for their dedicated service to the community in 2022. The agencies they work for included Sumter Emergency Services, Sumter Police Department, Sumter County Sheriff's Office and Sumter Fire Department. "I'm honored to be in the room of so many veterans who served our country honorably and in a way that we should all be proud of," said Sen. Thomas McElveen, guest speaker of this year's awards ceremony. "I always feel fortunate any time I can be in the presence of folks that I believe chose the profession of service." Day in and day out, Sumter's first responders make the sacrifice to serve their community and make it a better and safer place to live, McElveen stated. "These folks have given their lives and their careers to service, and we should never stop thanking them for keeping the rest of us safe," he said. McElveen also recognized Sumter veterans in the room for their service and for taking the time each year to recognize their public safety workers on the frontlines. Both groups, veterans and first responders alike, have served their country and community in a capacity that can never go unnoticed. "Those of you who are here with us tonight do what you do in a large part because you felt a higher calling to serve. Every time you put on that uniform, wear that badge, that helmet, that protective gear," McElveen said, "you step out in faith. You make citizenship and public service more than a part-time job. For you, public service is a career and a way of life. "We're here to commend you, thank you and to always remember to recognize the fallen." The ceremony continued with American Legion officers announcing this year's recipients and presenting them with a plaque and a check for $400. EMS Technician of the Year: Pvt. Taylor D. Harvin Harvin has served Sumter County EMS with passion, dedication and an unmatched level of professionalism since October 2019, according to EMS Director Bobby Hingst. "This EMT has a commitment to providing the best patient care possible. This EMT began with EMS as a recruit when we conducted the first program in Sumter due to staffing shortage," Hingst wrote in a letter to Post 15's public safety committee. Since then, Harvin has only furthered her education, obtaining her technician certification in 2021 and enrolling in Paramedic School just last year. "We know that this EMT will continue to excel and achieve her goals due to her commitment and dedication she displays daily," Hingst said in the letter. Harvin was accompanied by her in-laws at Monday night's ceremony to receive the award. Police Officer of the Year: Cpl. James Salmon Salmon, a U.S. Army veteran, was nominated by Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark III for his devotion to law enforcement duty. He began his career with Sumter Police Department as an animal control officer in 2016, only later transitioning as a police officer in the Patrol Division. He earned the rank of corporal in the department's Traffic Division in August 2022. "Cpl. Salmon has continuously demonstrated selfless acts to assist other members of the department. He truly understands and exemplifies the mission of assisting fellow officers and the citizens of Sumter," Roark wrote in a letter. "He exemplifies what we all strive to do each day, serve our community and our fellow officers. Firefighter of the Year: Lt. James Hemby Smith Smith has served the Sumter Fire Department as a full-time firefighter since April 12, 2006. Fire Chief Karl Ford stated the lieutenant is known for his high standard of performance and his passion for firefighting and the people he serves. Smith was promoted to his current rank in June 2022. It was noted that Smith also serves as the fire department's leader for its Fire Explorer program that introduces teenagers to the fire service, and he received the Sumter Fire Department's Firefighter of the Quarter award. "Hemby is a dynamic individual with a positive attitude and tireless work ethic. Moreover, his personality has been instrumental in making the Sumter Fire Department and those around him grow and possess positive work attitudes," Ford wrote in a letter to Post 15. Detention Officer of the Year: Senior Cpl. Tamiko Gregg-Wright Gregg-Wright has served the Sumter County Sheriff's Office Detention Center for almost two years and has 20 years of correctional experience. "Her duties consist of managing the facilities in the Special Management Unit," wrote Sheriff Anthony Dennis in a letter to Post 15. "This unit consists of 88 men who have been classified as the most difficult and dangerous to manage." Dennis stated she was the ideal candidate for the award because "she epitomizes the ideal detention officer." Sheriff's Deputy of the Year: Staff Sgt. Steven Blake Weathersbee Weathersbee has been employed with the sheriff's office for 15 years and serves on its Patrol Division. Dennis nominated Weathersbee after an incident on Sept. 25, 2022, where he was the first on scene for a domestic disturbance-turned-house fire. In the midst of checking the perimeter, Weathersbee was struck in the leg by a gunshot in the backyard of the property. "Staff Sgt. Weathersbee continued to exercise control over the situation by alerting other deputies of the location of the suspect and making sure they were behind cover. He then instructed deputies how to apply first aid, including the application of a tourniquet," Dennis wrote in a letter. He commended his deputy for his command and control of the situation under the circumstances, all while putting his fellow deputies' safety first. Weathersbee is still recovering from a broken leg and is working hard in rehab, anxious to get back to work. Weathersbee also received the Medal of Valor for his heroic service in this incident. In addition to Deputy of the Year, Weathersbee was awarded American Legion Post 15's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Sumter deputy named Governor's County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Staff Sgt. Blake Weathersbee is pictured with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster after being named the County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the inaugural Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Ceremony on May 19. PHOTO PROVIDED THE SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY Posted Wednesday, May 24, 2023 6:00 am BY ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com The inaugural Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year ceremony brought out agencies across the state to honor South Carolina's brave men and women in uniform, and a Sumter officer left with the highest honor. Gov. Henry McMaster held the inaugural ceremony on May 19 in Columbia. This was the first event of its kind to honor law enforcement professionals from every major level of government in the state for their service in 2022. There were 13 finalists identified from various state, county and municipal agencies, and three winners were awarded $10,000 each as part of the Governor's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award program. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety was named as the program's administrator. An advisory committee comprised of members appointed by McMaster, which includes law enforcement leaders, review and select winners in the three categories mentioned for their "professionalism, dedication to duty, community service, valor and innovation in the profession." "When we received word that our agency was being named as the program administrator of this process and this event, we were ecstatic to help shape what it would look like to recognize excellence in law enforcement on a statewide scale," said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. "Despite where they serve and what uniform they wear, this program allows us in the profession to all come together and rally around these exceptional individuals who are doing great work in their communities." Among the three winners was Staff Sgt. Blake Weathersbee of the Sumter County Sheriff's Office, who was named the County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at the ceremony. Weathersbee was one of the first responders on the scene of a domestic disturbance call on Cains Mill Road the morning of Sept. 25, 2022. As he cut through the yard, keeping his eyes on an open car door in the house's driveway, he heard something go off in the garage. As he turned toward the commotion, he saw what appeared to be a man, a flash, and then heard the bang of a gun before he felt a bullet hit him in his lower left leg. He has undergone surgery and may still have more to go on his road to recovery. Weathersbee was also awarded the Medal of Valor in January 2023 by the S.C. Sheriff's Association. According to the S.C. State Senate, he "exercised command and control, even after being wounded, and remained calm" in the face of danger. Other honorees include Senior Special Agent David H. Owen III, of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division, who was named the State Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, and Officer Luke Boling, of Rock Hill Police Department, who was named the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year."The officers recognized today represent the very best our state has to offer," McMaster said. "It's truly a privilege to honor these fine men and women for their dedication to duty, service, and valor. Each finalist and winner fully embodies what it means to be a public servant and an outstanding law enforcement professional."  [1, 2, 3]
  Occupation	he is employed by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Department, Sumter County, South Carolina  [4]
  _UID	551C4C982A184556AEA6AE974200E62E218F
  Person ID	I177954	Singleton and Related Families
  Last Modified	2 Jun 2023

  
  

  Father	Gary Lee WEATHERSBEE
  Mother	Alice Elizabeth “Betsy” CUMMINS
  _UID	77DB9EEC6EFF4D3783ECA686F3FE22EB66F6
  _UID	77DB9EEC6EFF4D3783ECA686F3FE22EB66F6
  Family ID	F120964	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Sarah Elizabeth McLEOD
  Marriage	12 Aug 2006	New Covenant Presbyterian Church, Manning, South Carolina   [4, 5]
  _UID	3251B34C06FC47228F2743A8FDEF941927FE
  _UID	3251B34C06FC47228F2743A8FDEF941927FE
  Family ID	F120963	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	9 Oct 2006

  
  

• Sources

  [S30482] Sergeant gets $10K grant for injuries in line of duty. [S30663] Sumter Post 15 honors 5 first responders with annual awards. [S30928] Sumter deputy named Governor’s County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. [S6761] McLeod-Weathersbee. [S7727] McLeod-Weathersbee. [S13943] Bonnie Strickland Weathersbee. [S21092] Cecil F. Windham Sr.