Deputies honored for heroic effort

HOUSTON— The Chambers County Sheriff's Office was front and center at the 100 Club's 71st Annual Heroes Awards Banquet, an awards ceremony for law enforcement officers and firefighters within the organization's 18-county coverage area.

On Tuesday, May 21, CCSO Deputies Lucas Clement and Evan Fuller were both awarded Officer of the Year.

"They both have a lot of experience, they're top notch," Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said. "They've been members of our tactical team for a number of years and they're very good at what they do."

The duo was nominated for their skillful diffusion of a pursuit involving hostages.

"From a sheriff's perspective, you're proud when the 100 Club of the Houston area recognizes them as stellar officers like I do," Hawthorne said. "It's nice to know that the whole Houston area thinks the same way of them that I do."

On the morning of Tuesday, April 30, 2024, CCSO was notified by neighboring law enforcement agencies of a vehicle pursuit where the driver was suspected of kidnapping a woman and child at gunpoint in Harris County. The two victims were visible in the front seat of the vehicle.

Additional information revealed he was a suspect in a homicide committed in another jurisdiction and he had made threats to kill law enforcement.

Once inside Chambers County, law enforcement directed the vehicle off the main roadway and away from residential neighborhoods.

Due to the violent nature of suspected crimes, the suspect's threats of violence, a known presence of weapons, and the threat to the kidnapped victims, CCSO Special Response Team Deputies Clement and Fuller were placed in position to intervein as trained snipers.

As the suspect drove towards the deputies, he refused to surrender. Both deputies fired rounds from their precision rifles, ending the pursuit and hostage situation.

The victims were unharmed, and a number of firearms were recovered from the suspect.

SRT Commander Erik Kvarme showed pride in the deputies' commitment to protecting those in the community, saying they put a lot of personal time into ensuring they are proficient in their skill sets as snipers.

"Both of them are extremely hard workers. They're very dedicated to the sheriff's office," Kvarme said. "They put a lot of time and effort into it, and so that's why I had all the confidence in the world."

Inspired by grandparents, uncles, and other loved ones to join law enforcement, Clement now has a little over 13 years under his belt.

Clement said he joined when he "finally got old enough where I quit riding bucking horses and figured I need to get a real job."

Clement felt honored to receive the award, saying that for him, the award means that the hard work he and other officers put into their jobs isn't going unnoticed.

"It's a great honor to be able to be here and get recognized," Clement said. "I know there's a lot more out there that probably have done the same, but it's pretty cool to be able to get picked."

Fuller also expressed appreciation for the award, saying it meant a lot to him.

Having been in law enforcement for almost six years, Fuller took inspiration from his father, who was also in the field.

"I wanted to follow after his footsteps," Fuller said. "I wanted to make a difference."

County Commissioner Pct. 4 Ryan Dagley was also in attendance showing support for the deputies.

"I think it's a wonderful recognition for the county that shows how well they're training and how they actually go above and beyond all the time for Chambers County," Dagley said. "Just the pure fact that they're getting recognized tonight is just a really special moment for Chambers County."