An Adams County Sheriff’s Deputy, who was shot in the line of duty, has been awarded a Purple Heart by the department.
Deputy Todd Johnson was wounded after being sent to a residence in Big Flats earlier this year to look for a missing couple from West Allis. Karen and Thomas Costigan had been having marital problems and Karen had a restraining order against her husband. When they both turned up missing, West Allis authorities became concerned for her safety and asked Adams County deputies to check their Big Flats property.
Johnson and other deputies approached the residence and Thomas Costigan fired several shots at them. One bullet struck Johnson. Costigan then shot himself.
Deputy Johnson was shot February 19th. He returned to work September 11th amd was given the Purple Heart award Wednesday by Sheriff Sam Wollin and Chief Deputy Terry Fahrenkrug.
Larry Lee, WSAU
