TAMPA, Fla. — A good Samaritan who stepped in to help a Hillsborough County deputy last February was honored for his efforts by the Sheriff's Office this week.
- Hillsborough Co. Sheriff's Office held 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony Wednesday
- Jack Osmanski, 64, among honorees
- Osmanski helped deputy with subject who got physical during traffic stop in February
- More Good News stories
At the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office's 2nd Quarter Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Jack Osmanski, 64, of Riverview, was among the honorees.
Osmanski came to the aid of Deputy Timothy Miskell earlier this year while Miskell was conducting a traffic stop. When the subject Miskell was dealing with started to get physical, Osmanski stepped in.
“He resisted, you know, pulling, pushing away from me,” said Miskell of the subject. “Did not want to go back to jail,”
“I saw the two of them starting to tussle as they moved out,” said Osmanski.
Turns out, that tussle was with a man who had a warrant out for his arrest.
Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister commended Osmanski for jumping into action.
“I’m always proud of how hard our men and women work, said Chronister. “But to know that someone can easily look the other way and keep going, jumps in to help a deputy.”
“I come from a family of law enforcement, number one,” said Osmanski. “Number two, I believe it's everybody's duty to help out law enforcement today.”
Miskell said he was grateful for that help.
"The more hands that we had on him, the better, and he was able to help me out and get him on the ground and get him in handcuffs,” said Miskell. "[Mr. Osmanski] was my closest backup that night."
"The important thought is that the deputy go home to his family, just like my brothers who have served," said Osmanski.
If you’re comfortable helping in and emergency, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stresses safety is key. Make sure to ask the deputy before assisting and follow their instructions.