Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ross Jessop was awarded the prestigious “ Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing ” in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday.
“There is no question Deputy Jessop’s instincts, perseverance, and dedication saved the child’s life,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Claire McCusker Murray.
The award recognizes the exceptional work of law enforcement officers and deputies across the country and Jessop is one of 19 to be honored.
During the early morning hours of July 8, 2018, Jessop found a 5-month-old baby who had been abandoned in the woods near Lolo Hot Springs. The baby, who had been missing for several hours, was eventually found under a pile of sticks and other debris.
Jessop says his fatherly instincts kicked in< /span> and he picked him the baby up, swaddled him in a down coat and a beanie hat -- and just held on to him. US Attorney General William Barr presented Jessop with the award.
“The Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing honors exceptional police officers and the vital public service they provide. The brave men and women in law enforcement are engaged in an unrelenting and often unacknowledged fight to keep our communities safe each and every day,” said Barr. It is an honor to thank them for their service.”
“I want to congratulate Deputy Jessop on receiving the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office team for its outstanding response to find this kidnapped baby. Because of Deputy Jessop’s determination and commitment to public safety, this baby boy is alive, despite being left for dead for about nine hours in 44-degree temperatures,” U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.
