Westmoreland deputy sheriff honored for helping save man in courtroom incident

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Westmoreland deputy sheriff honored for helping save man in courtroom incident

Rich Cholodofsky | Thursday, February 20, 2020 4:47 p.m.

Westmoreland County Deputy Sheriff Sean McKown, 52, of Lower Burrell, was honored on Thursday for assisting an ailing court spectator who had collapsed on Feb. 14, 2020. McKown, who is assigned to the courtroom of Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio, received his award from Sheriff James Albert.

Westmoreland County Deputy Sheriff Sean McKown knew he had to act fast and rushed over to the courtroom gallery to help an ill spectator.

McKown, 52, of Lower Burrell, was honored in a surprise ceremony Thursday by Sheriff James Albert for his quick action that officials said may have saved the life of the man who became sick at the start of court on Feb. 14.

“I knew he was in good hands. That’s not Sean’s job but that’s what he did,” said Common Pleas Court Judge Meagan Bilik about the incident.

McKown is one of the deputies assigned to provide security in her courtroom. He rushed to the man and provided aid as paramedics were en route, Albert said.

McKown, a former police officer, has worked as a deputy sheriff for 12 years.

“You are a credit to the Westmoreland County Sheriff’s Office, and we are all proud of you,” Albert said.

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