A Raleigh County sheriff’s deputy is being credited with potentially saving a man’s life after responding to a vehicle-related emergency late last year.
According to Sheriff Frank Priddy, Deputy S. Lilly responded to an emergency call on December 13, 2025, in the South Sand Branch Road area of Raleigh County. When he arrived on scene, Deputy Lilly found a man trapped beneath a vehicle and struggling to breathe.
Sheriff’s officials said Deputy Lilly immediately retrieved a bottle jack from his patrol vehicle and began lifting the vehicle. While doing so, he maintained constant verbal communication with the man to monitor his condition and breathing.
Deputy Lilly was able to raise the vehicle enough for the man to roll onto his back. Emergency medical personnel then safely removed the man from underneath the vehicle and transported him for medical treatment.
Sheriff Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton praised Deputy Lilly for his quick thinking, decisive actions, and calm demeanor during the incident, saying his response prevented further injury and may have saved the man’s life.