Three Delaware County sheriff’s deputies have been honored for their actions during a shooting incident last year in Hancock.
According to a news release from Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond, Corporal Kyle Karcher, Deputy Justin Mohr and Deputy Victor Altheim were awarded the Deputy of the Year Award from the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute. The awards were presented Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the organization’s annual winter conference, in recognition of the deputies’ “heroic actions in the line of duty,” the release stated. The event was held in Albany.
According to the release, all three deputies responded on Sept. 4, 2024 to a report of shots fired in the town of Hancock. The deputies arrived on scene to find that a victim had been shot while walking his dog and had retreated into his residence with his girlfriend as the perpetrator allegedly continued firing at their home.
“Demonstrating proficient tactical skill, the deputies formulated a rescue plan for the victims,” the release stated. While Altheim provided cover, Karcher and Mohr navigated overgrown and difficult terrain to reach the victims. “The deputies successfully extricated both victims from the house and utilized their vehicles to transport them to the safety of awaiting EMS personnel,” according to the release. The shooting victim, having experienced significant blood loss, was treated by EMS personnel and transported by LifeNet helicopter for treatment of his injuries. “The swift action by these deputies facilitated the urgent medical care of the shooting victim,” the release stated.
DuMond commended the deputies. “Their actions on that day embody the highest standards of law enforcement professionalism and selflessness,” he said. “Their bravery and commitment to protecting our citizens reflect the very best of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.”
DuMond expressed gratitude to all the emergency responders involved in the incident as well as the state police and thanked the Sheriffs’ Institute for recognizing the efforts of his deputies.
As a result of the incident, state police charged Robert K. Trago Jr., 60, of Hancock, with second-degree attempted murder, a Class A-I felony; and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class D felony.