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Sacramento County Deputy Killed In October Rampage Honored, Along With Partner

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A ceremony on Wednesday was about celebrating the courage of his employees, not reliving the horror of an October rampage that claimed the lives of two deputies, Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones said.

Deputy Danny Oliver's widow accepted the department's highest honor on her late husband's behalf. He was shot and killed at the start of a deadly rampage that spanned two counties and also claimed the life of Placer County Det. Michael Davis.

Oliver's partner, deputy Scott Brown, was also awarded the silver star for gallantry.

RELATED: Deadly Day Claims Lives Of Deputies In Sacramento, Placer Counties

"Under the most emotional conditions one can find himself, deputy Brown provided a description of the suspects and their vehicle and attended to his fatally wounded partner," said Sgt. Lisa Bowman.

In a room packed with steel-faced officers, everyone had a hard time keeping their composure.

"Time is the scab that heals some of these wounds," Jones said. "But with an officer that dies in the line of duty, it's recurringly tearing the scab off."

Jones also made sure Wednesday was a celebration of the heroism of his other employees, including deputy John Halk. He carried his wounded K-9, Drago, to safety while the shooter was still out in the open.

Also honored were deputy Adrian Zunida and Lt. Martin Sheryl. They pulled wrought iron bars off of a burning house to save a man inside.

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