Lexington County Deputy Wins Medal of Valor for Saving House from Fire

Residents of a Lexington County home still have their house thanks to the bravery of Deputy Justin Ashley. 

Ashley put out a kitchen fire at the house in Gilbert, and is now receiving a Medal of Valor from the South Carolina Sheriffs' Association for his actions. 

Ashley received a call around 9:32 p.m. on July 1, 2012 after the burglar alarm was activated at a house on Keisler road. When he arrived, he heard a smoke detector going off. He looked in the window and saw smoke. 

Ashley entered the house through the garage and saw flames coming from an object left on a stove burner that was still on. After making sure no one else was in the house, Ashley extinguished the fire.

Sheriff James Metts said Lexington County firefighters told him the fire could have escalated and destroyed the whole structure of the residence if Ashley had not acted quickly.

“Justin was motivated to protect other persons and ensure that the fire did not burn down the whole house," Metts said. "His actions reflect his strong dedication to fulfilling our agency’s mission of providing professional law enforcement services that enhance the quality of life for all people in Lexington County.”

Ashley was recognized at an awards banquet Thursday during the Sheriffs’ Association Winter Conference.