Sheriff’s Office Awards Presentation
L-R – Deputy Lucas Runser, Deputy Brian Root, and Deputy Marcus Chartrand. Not pictured Deputy Wesley Marcellus and Deputy Ethan Zeiger
Sheriff’s Office Awards Presentation
June 19, 2025
Deputy Brian Root Meritorious Service Award
Deputy Wesley Marcellus Meritorious Service Award
Deputy Marcus Chartrand Life Saving/Bravery Award
Deputy Ethan Zeiger Life Saving/Bravery Award
Deputy Lukas Runser Certificate of Commendation
On March 5, 2025, Deputy Wesley Marcellus , Deputy Brian Root, Deputy Ethan Zeiger, Deputy Marcus Chartrand and Deputy Lukas Runser responded to the Arthur Dodd Memorial Park in Cass County for a priority call of a female who was attempting suicide with a rope around her neck and had poured gasoline on herself with the intent of setting herself on fire and hanging herself.
The deputies located the female on the north end of the park under a pavilion. The female had a green extension cord wrapped around her neck and from the rafters of the pavilion. She was standing on a step stool, with a gas can on the ground, and gasoline poured on the concrete below her.
Deputy Brian Root began negotiations with her and was trying to calm her down while attempting to develop a rapport with her. She was yelling at the deputies to stay away, or she would light herself on fire. Deputy Root noticed the lighter would not light due to the strong wind blowing at the time. Deputy Root was using his flashlight to distract her, so she was unaware of what was going on around her which allowed Deputy Marcellus to get closer to her. Deputy Runser had the forward thinking to grab a fire extinguisher where he stood by in case she was able to set herself on fire.
Deputy Marcellus had other officers turn off their flashlights so that she could not see him as he cautiously approached her. Deputy Marcellus advised officers that she had put the lighter in her pocket and was attempting to tighten the cord around her neck. Deputy Marcellus demonstrated courage as he rushed the female and held her up so that she could not hang herself. Deputy Root rushed in and helped hold her off the ground. Deputies Chartrand and Zeiger were able to cut the extension cord to prevent her from being able to strangle herself. Deputies were able to guide the female to the ground and attempt to keep her calm until the ambulance arrived.
Deputies Root and Marcellus are being awarded the Meritorious Service Award for putting themselves in harm’s way while demonstrating courage in which resulted in the life saving measure of the female.
Deputies Chartrand and Zeiger are being awarded the Life Saving/Bravery Award for putting themselves in danger while assisting in the life saving measure of the female.
Deputy Runser is being awarded the Certificate of Commendation for his forward thinking of having a fire extinguisher ready to assist in the life saving of the individual or officers if she was able light the gasoline on fire.
It is with great honor and deep appreciation that we present these awards to each of these deputies in recognition of their bravery, decisive action and commitment to the preservation of human life. Their courage and professionalism reflect well on themselves and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office.
Chuck Heit
Sheriff
