On May 12, 2025, Deputy Jason Erickson, Deputy Cody Bingaman, K9 Charlie, and Sergeant Larry Weers were honored during the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners meeting for their actions during an incident that occurred on April 17, 2026. The awards were presented by Sheriff Daniel E. Abbott and Undersheriff Casey Davis.

During the incident, Deputy Jason Erickson responded to a report of a suspicious abandoned vehicle located in a residential backyard. Through his investigation, Deputy Erickson determined the vehicle was registered out of Jackson, Michigan. After conducting several phone interviews and investigative actions, he developed concerns that the driver may have been experiencing a medical emergency and had wandered away from the vehicle.

Sergeant Larry Weers responded and deployed the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office drone while coordinating search efforts with Deputy Cody Bingaman and K9 Charlie. K9 Charlie successfully tracked from the vehicle to a nearby river while Sergeant Weers utilized the drone’s infrared capabilities to search the surrounding area.

Deputy Bingaman and K9 Charlie ultimately located the 79-year-old driver in the river while Sergeant Weers maintained aerial observation with the drone. Deputy Bingaman then placed himself at personal risk by entering the river and pulling the man to safety. Deputies immediately coordinated with medical personnel to ensure the individual received emergency medical treatment and transport to the hospital.

Without the quick thinking, teamwork, and dedication displayed by Deputy Erickson, Deputy Bingaman, K9 Charlie, and Sergeant Weers, the outcome could have been tragic.

Deputy Erickson and Sergeant Weers were each awarded the Sheriff’s Award of Excellence. Deputy Bingaman and K9 Charlie were honored with the Life Saving Award for their heroic actions.

Sheriff Abbott and Undersheriff Davis extend their appreciation to these officers for their professionalism, dedication, and willingness to use every available resource to help save a life.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is proud of the outstanding service these individuals continue to provide to our community every day.