JUDGE: Officers face trials in the line of duty

Recently our mental health officer, Deputy Sam Ferguson was shot twice while apprehending a person with mental health issues. Deputy Ferguson returned fire striking and killing the subject and in so doing, probably saved the lives of two employees of Central County Services who were assisting and his own. 

Deputy Ferguson’s left jaw was severely fractured and he spent several weeks at Scott & White in Temple. Thankfully, he was able to return home, but he has a long road of recovery ahead with many surgeries.  

To my great surprise he and his wife came by the courthouse last Tuesday for a short visit.  Sam was in great spirits and spoke of coming back to work as a mental health officer.  The left side of his mouth is wired shut and he cannot eat solid foods, but in spite of what he has been through, he looked remarkably well.

What struck me most was Sam’s humility. I told him that he acted in a heroic manner and that he was a hero to all of us. He refused to accept the praise and responded that he did not feel like a hero.  In fact, to him he was just doing his job.  But this is simply not the case.  

Sam has spent a lifetime in law enforcement. He has undoubtedly seen it all. A large part of his career has been devoted to helping those with mental health issues.  Although Sam came to the county several years ago as a deputy, his new job as a mental health officer began Jan. 1, 2022.  

It was Sheriff Clore’s good idea to establish the position and it was a great idea.  This year alone Sam has done an outstanding job to assist so many people in a time of mental crisis.  His work has given those in crisis a chance to get help instead of going to jail for a petty crime.  His work has given those in need an opportunity to get immediate access to a mental health professional and thus averting a crisis and/or crime.  Most recently he has worked with the schools to assist with early intervention of students in crisis. 

Mental health is a big deal!  Unlike a physical injury that can be seen, treated and eventually resolved, mental health issues are often a lifetime problem. For example those with schizophrenia often require lifetime treatment. It is crucial for law enforcement to recognize the symptoms and be in a position to get help instead of simply putting the person in jail.  

Sam Ferguson knows all of these things and has done an outstanding job of helping others in crisis.  Although for him, this incident was in the line of duty, he is a hero to me and represents the best we have to offer in this county!