Good Samaritan Honored for Helping Deputy to Detain Suspect in Livingston County

The Livingston County Sheriff’s Office has recognized Christopher Smith with the 2025 Civilian Service Award for his assistance during a challenging traffic stop last year.

According to the sheriff’s office, on September 11, 2024, a deputy conducted a routine traffic stop in the Town of Leicester. During the encounter, the vehicle’s operator became uncooperative and refused to provide further identification. As the deputy attempted to take the individual into custody, the driver reportedly resisted and swung at the officer in an attempt to strike him.

Smith, who witnessed the incident, stepped in to assist the deputy, helping to safely detain the individual.

During an afternoon patrol briefing on Tuesday, Sheriff Thomas Dougherty presented Smith with the award, thanking him for his actions and support of law enforcement.