ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — On Sept. 20, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office presented Life Saving Awards to three Deputies and Certificates of Appreciation to three citizens.

The following people were awarded:

• Life Saving Award — Deputy Paul Grenon:

On June 28, Grenon was assisting the St. Joseph Department of Public Safety at the scene of a barricaded individual who was threatening to harm himself and others. After this individual set the residence on fire, Grenon entered the burning, smoke-filled building without regard for his own safety. He assisted in subduing the individual and safely escorting him from the scene to seek proper treatment.

• Life Saving Award — Deputies Tom Dyer and Marcelo Perez:

On July 28, Dyer and Perez, while on patrol, overheard radio traffic of a structure fire at a motel in Benton Township. They responded to the scene and entered the building, which was engulfed in flames and filled with smoke. Dyer and Perez entered the building without regard for their own safety and began to knock on doors in an attempt to evacuate the building.

Although this incident resulted in the loss of lives, homes and property, due to the actions of Dyer and Perez, numerous individuals were able to safely evacuate. The sheriff’s department said their thoughts and prayers are with all those that were affected by this terrible tragedy.

• Certificate of Appreciation — Keith Matthews, Christopher Behrle and James Kring:

These Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to the above individuals with honor and gratitude for their assistance to Deputy Brandon Crosby on Dec. 21, 2017. They assisted in the apprehension on an individual who was actively resisting arrest. Due to the assistance, they provided to Crosby, this individual was taken into custody on numerous felony charges. Their assistance was instrumental in subduing this individual and preventing harm to Crosby.