The letter brought the retiring law enforcement officer of more than 20 years to tears, according to the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.
ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. — Fifteen years after saving a toddler’s life, a detective is being thanked for his work as he retires.
The toddler was David Lew, who is now almost 18 years old and graduating from high school. He recently sent Detective Sgt. Jeff Sheaman a letter with a memorable request.
David Lew expressed, “I just told him who I was and that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him. I asked if he’d come to graduation and hand me my diploma. It felt like everything was coming full circle.”
The letter brought the retiring law enforcement officer of more than 20 years to tears, according to the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office.
“In this line of work, you see a lot — some of it good, some of it crazy and some of it heartbreaking,” Detective Sgt. Jeff Sheaman reflected. “David reminds me of the good we can do.”
Sheaman rescued then 3-year-old Lew from freezing rain and dropping temperatures while stranded on a boat in Wyoming in 2010.
Lew and his family were rendered stranded when a strong wind made their boat stop working while sailing in the Flaming Gorge Reservoir.
The sheriff’s office says then-newly sworn-in Sheaman jumped into action when responding to the distress call.
The officer wrapped unconscious Lew in his jacket and held him to his chest to keep him warm while waiting for paramedics, according to the sheriff’s office. It’s something paramedics say helped prevent advanced hypothermia.
“Moments like this are rare blessings in law enforcement,” Sheriff John Grossnickle said. “We often meet people on their worst days and don’t always see what follows. For Jeff to save a child and now share in his graduation is truly special.”
Lew is graduating from Rock Springs High School on May 27, and Grossnickle says at least a few sheriff’s office officials are planning to attend the graduation in support of the moving story.
Sheaman is retiring in May, tying a neat bow on their lifelong bond.
“This is what it’s all about. Knowing I helped a kid grow up, graduate, and live a full life — I can retire happy picturing David walking across that stage,” he said. “Out of all the people he could’ve asked, I’m grateful he wants me there by his side on graduation day.”
