LCSO deputy honored for efforts taking down suspect in incident

By Staff | Jul 6, 2016

Dan Sabean

A Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy was recently honored by the Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce for subduing a suspect last month in Lehigh Acres who injured another deputy.

Someone called the LCSO and complained that a man was enraged and had smashed out the windows of a nearby home.

When the first deputy arrived, the man attacked her and began beating her before she was able to get out of her patrol car.

The deputy called for emergency backup. Deputy Dan Sabean arrived on the scene and immediately engaged the suspect as he was fighting with the first deputy, who was physically injured.

Sabean used his Taser, but it didn’t stop the man, and other less lethal options were also used but failed.

MEL TOADVINE Fran DiConanza, right, was recognized by Stephanie Garrepy, with Gendron Funeral and Cremation Services, for her work ethic.

Capt. Todd R. Garrison, commander of the LCSO’s East District, and Sgt. Joe Barley nominated Sabean for the recognition.

Garrison wrote that the fight with the suspect continued and at some point the suspect broke free and fled toward a nearly home. The suspect ran up a stairs and tried to enter the house, but when he couldn’t get in, he turned and started fighting Sabean again.

At this point, Sabean had to wrestle the suspect. Both fell off the stairs and onto the ground, at which time the suspect was secured and handcuffed.

“This unselfish act and willingness to protect other deputies, as well as the public demonstrates that Deputy Sabean is a true warrior. He displayed all of the attributes that bring credit upon our chosen profession at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office,” he wrote.

The chamber held the monthly luncheon at the Mirror Lakes Golf Club, at 670 Milwaukee Blvd. The group meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 11 a.m.

The sponsors were Gendron Funeral and Creation Services and Modern Woodmen.

Gendron honors a healthcare employee each month. Fran DiConanza, director of health information and privacy officer at Lehigh Regional Medical Center, received a plaque. She has been employed with LRMC for four years.

Stephanie Garrepy, public relations director for Gendron, presented DiConanza with the plaque. She applauded the work done by DiConanza, who ensures accuracy of patients’ medical records and maintains “a standard of excellence.”

“We want to let her know we appreciate her dedication and commitment at Lehigh Regional Medical Center and wanted to honor her and let the community know of her dedication,” she said.

Chamber Chairman Mike Burgers reminded the large crowd in attendance that it is looking for board members who want to become involved in the chamber. He urged those interested to contact him.

Mike Jacobs, with LegalShield, was the emcee for the program.

A brief presentation was made by Annie Gannucci, director of student services at Keiser University. She spoke about how Keiser is helping Lee County’s workforce.

Students can earn all types of degrees and study many of their courses online, she said.

Chamber officials are asking Lehigh businesses to consider nominating an employee to be honored. Nominees should show exceptional qualities on the job.

The next chamber meeting will be held on July 26, with the location to be announced; contact the chamber to make reservations.

The chamber is at 25 N. Homestead Road. The office number is 239-369-3322.

: MEL TOADVINE Fran DiConanza, right, was recognized by Stephanie Garrepy, with Gendron Funeral and Cremation Services, for her work ethic.