09/03/2026
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September 2, 2026 Bladen County Sheriffโs Office held an Award Ceremony to honor our Deputies. These Deputies were nominated by their peers and/or citizens for their actions taken in specific situations. Each incident will be briefly recapped below.
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Sergeant L. Jacobs
2-20-2026 Sergeant Jacobs and Deputy Sessoms responded to the residence of a suspect with outstanding Probation violations/Order for Arrest after an anonymous report was received he was at his residency. While attempting to take the suspect into custody, the suspect violently assaulted Sergeant Jacobs. Deputy Sessoms was drawn into the conflict. Deputy Sessoms pulled his handgun. There was a struggle over the gun with the suspect. The handgun was discharged and Sergeant Jacobs was shot in the chest. Sergeant Jacobs continued to fight and called for assistance. The suspect was taken into custody. Sergeant Jacobs suffered from blunt force trauma to the head, face and upper chest.
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Sergeant L. Jacobs
Corporal K. LeMaster
Deputy Sheriff A. Sessoms
Sergeant T. Spurling
9-19-2025 Sergeant Jacobs was the first to arrive on scene to an overdose, at which time she administered multiple doses of Narcan, and began chest compressions until EMS arrived and patient was transported to the hospital for further treatment. This incident reflects the power of calm communication and team work in a life-threatening emergency.
9-29-2025 Corporal LeMaster and Deputy Sessoms responded to a suicidal subject calling for help just before phone was disconnected. Once on scene Lemaster and Sessoms located a male inside a vehicle with a fi***rm pointed at his head. The trigger was pulled, but the weapon did not fire. Corporal LeMaster calmly communicated with the individual and convinced him to throw the fi***rm from the vehicle. Sergeant Jacobs secured the weapon and the male exited the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital without further incident. This incident demonstrates how persistence, coordination and calm communication can truly save a life.
10-8-2025 Sergeant Jacobs and Corporal LeMaster arrived on the scene of a GSW of a child. Both administered life saving measures until EMS arrived. Thanks to the swift actions of communication and responding personnel, the child was transported to the hospital and has since been released and doing well.
12-13-2025 Corporal LeMaster and Deputy Sessoms responded to a stabbing incident between a couple. LeMaster and Sessoms assisted in controlling the excessive bleeding and provided lifesaving care. Patient was transported to the landing zone for the helicopter. Patient was treated at hospital and has since been release and doing well.
8-11-2026 Sergeant T. Spurling was off duty but overheard a call come over the radio reporting three people injured after a truss at Colly Chapel Church had collapsed. She was the first to arrive on the scene and was able to triage all three injured. She was able to keep the gentleman in the worse condition calm and c-spine mobilized after falling 20 ft. Her actions helped to keep the gentleman alive and from being paralyzed.
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Deputy Sheriff B. Sasser
5-12-2026 Deputy Sasser was on duty when he heard the call come over the radio that a suspect had fired multiple shots from a r***e into the Elizabethtown Police Dept. and Town Municipal Building. Suspect was considered armed and dangerous and had fled out of the city limits and drove into the county along Hwy 53. Deputy Sasser was the only unit in the area and conducted on the suspect violent offender. During the traffic stop the suspect attempted to escape and when confronted by Deputy Sasser, the suspect exited his vehicle and shot into Deputy Sasserโs vehicles windshield at eye level. From the suspectโs actions, it was clear he intended to murder Deputy Sasser. Deputy Sasser kept his composure while under direct gunfire. He exited his vehicle and engaged, shooting the suspect twice. Suspect fled. Deputy Sasser remained on scene and relayed critical information to 911 Dispatch and additional Units enroute to him. Additional units were able to contain and secure the suspect. This exemplifies Deputy Sasserโs courage, judgement and unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of Bladen County.
Each of these calls included our Bladen County Sheriffโs Office Telecommunicators who were involved from the very beginning. Each of them have already been presented with their Life Saving Award at a previous award ceremony.
