PSCO Awards Medal of Valor to Deputy Randall Shelnutt

Paulding County Sheriff’s Deputy Randall Shelnutt was awarded the Medal of Valor by Sheriff Gary Gulledge for his actions during an incident in 2013.

The Medal of Valor is the highest award that a Deputy Sheriff can receive at the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began as a home invasion in Cobb County on July 20, 2013. When Paulding County deputies located the suspect’s vehicle inside Paulding County, it was followed to a residence where the suspect exited the vehicle.

When more deputies arrived, they learned that the suspect fled into a wooded area behind the residence.

Once deputies located the suspect, a struggle ensued with multiple officers involved. During the struggle the suspect was able to get on top of Deputy Shelnutt and take control of his patrol rifle. While on top of him, the suspect was able to discharge a round from the patrol rifle, which narrowly missed other deputies on the scene.

Deputy Shelnutt, realizing his rifle was pointed at another deputy, was forced to discharge his own weapon to stop the suspect from firing at others.

Deputies James Kment,  Trey Andrews, Steven Tavalez, Trent Tanchin, and Hank Crow were also awarded the Letter of Commendation by Sheriff Gulledge for their role in the incident.

The presentations were made at the Paulding County Board of Commissioners morning meeting on July 8 in front of numerous family, friends, and other Deputies.

 “I appreciate the bravery of Deputy Shelnutt and all of the deputies that were involved in this incident. It is a true testament to what law enforcement officers have to endure on a daily basis,” Gulledge said in a press release.