Detective Sgt. Jeff Sheaman saved 3-year-old David Lew’s life during a stormy night in July 2010. The toddler was stranded with his family on a boat in Wyoming’s Flaming Gorge Reservoir when their engine failed.
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During the rescue, a storm blew in and David lost consciousness from the cold. Sheaman quickly removed the boy’s life jacket, placed him against his chest, and wrapped his own coat around him. Paramedics later credited this quick action with preventing advanced hypothermia.
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David, now 17 and a high school senior, wrote Sheaman a heartfelt thank-you letter with a special request: to hand him his diploma at graduation. The gesture deeply moved Sheaman, who is set to retire the same month as David’s graduation.
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“Knowing I helped a kid grow up, graduate, and live a full life—I can retire happy picturing David walking across that stage,” Sheaman commented.
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h/t: People
Photos: Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office / Facebook
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