🚔⭐️🏆
SBSO SGT. RICHARD SKYLES HONORED WITH KIWANIS LIFESAVER AWARD
St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Richard Skyles has been named the recipient of the prestigious Kiwanis Club of St. Bernard-Arabi Sammie Catalanotto LifeSaver Award, recognizing his heroic actions in saving a man’s life, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.
Sgt. Skyles was honored with the LifeSaver Award during a banquet hosted by Kiwanis Tuesday evening (Jan. 14) at Rocky and Carlo’s Restaurant in Chalmette.
The award acknowledges Sgt. Skyles’ quick thinking and decisive actions during a critical incident where he rendered life-saving aid to a man by applying a tourniquet to stop bleeding after the man had fallen through a glass door and severely injured his arm.
The man required a two-hour emergency surgery following the incident, and emergency medical technicians and the man’s family credit Sgt. Skyles’ swift actions with saving his life.
Sheriff Pohlmann said Sgt. Skyles displayed exemplary service during the performance of his duties and is deserving of this commendation.
“Sgt. Skyles’ dedication, training and faith exemplifies the values and commitment we strive for at the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office,” the Sheriff said. “His actions not only saved a life, but also brought honor to our department.”
Reflecting on the moment when he saved the man’s life, Sgt. Skyles shared, “Nothing went through my mind; training kicked in. I assessed my situation and did what I thought was best.”
What makes this act of bravery even more remarkable is the series of events that led him to be in the right place at the right time.
Sgt. Skyles credits divine intervention, explaining that he was only there due to a last-minute schedule change for hurricane preparedness.
“It was a perfect storm of coincidences that only God could put together,” he said.
The man he saved, Earl Maugham, happens to be Sgt. Skyles’ neighbor.
Despite receiving this honor, Sgt. Skyles humbly deflects the praise. “This award isn’t for me. This work was only done because of the intervention and guidance of God,” he stated.
A 23-year veteran of law enforcement, Sgt. Skyles has dedicated 17 of those years to the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office, where he currently serves in the Field Operations Bureau Patrol Division.
During his career with SBSO, Sgt. Skyles has also served in the Corrections Division at the Parish Prison, bringing a wealth of experience and training to every situation he encounters.
Sgt. Skyles also has been instrumental in forming the Sheriff’s Office peer support group, which provides deputies with a safe and confidential space to discuss the challenges and stresses of their job with colleagues who understand their experiences, and connecting deputies to resources that promote mental health and well-being.
Prior to joining SBSO, Sgt. Skyles was a member of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office where he was assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force. He also is a veteran having served in the U.S. Army from 1990-97.
Sgt. Skyles’ passion for law enforcement stems from a desire for variety and the opportunity to make a positive impact on his community.
“I am deeply committed to this work and proud of the role I can play in protecting and serving St. Bernard Parish,” he said.
In addition to his professional achievements, Sgt. Skyles shares a unique bond with his wife, Dep. Angee Skyles, who also is a member of the St. Bernard Sheriff’s Office in the Communications Division’s 9-1-1 Center.
Congratulations, Sgt. Richard Skyles, on this well-deserved recognition and thanks you for your unwavering service to our community.
#SBSO
#KeepingStBernardSafe
#Kiwanis
#LifeSaver
