Pueblo County deputy awarded Medal of Valor, 2 other deputies receive Purple Hearts

On Friday, the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office honored a trio of deputies during the 14th annual Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Awards Banquet.

Deputy Jason Hanratty, currently a patrol sergeant, was awarded with the Medal of Valor.

"The Medal of Valor is law enforcement’s highest award and is presented for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism performed with selflessness, courage and devotion to duty," the sheriff's office wrote in a release.

Hanratty received the award for his heroic actions the night of Jan. 13, 2019, when he ended a cross-county suspect chase. According to law enforcement, the driver hit a Fremont County patrol vehicle and narrowly missed a Canon City police officer, then fled east on Highway 50 towards Pueblo County. Hanratty and other Pueblo County deputies became involved after the vehicle crossed county lines. The driver refused to stop, and the chase wound through residential streets until a second PIT maneuver finally stopped the vehicle in a front yard on North Chaparral.

The driver allegedly revved his engine and moved towards Hanratty. Hanratty fired his gun, striking the suspect and ending the pursuit,

“Deputy Hanratty’s actions were truly heroic,” said Pueblo County Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor. “He put his life on the line to protect himself and fellow deputies from harm. I am proud and honored to award him with the distinguished Medal of Valor for his courage, selflessness and dedication to duty.”

Purple Heart awards were also presented to Detention Deputy Jana Hartless and Detention Deputy Clayton Kent for their courage and bravery during two separate incidents involving assaults by inmates.