Saved as a child, RS teen honors retiring detective at graduation

Detective Sgt. Jeff Sheaman never forgot the stormy night in 2010 when he reached a stranded boat on Flaming Gorge Reservoir. Amid freezing rain and plunging temperatures, he found three-year-old David Lew limp, blue, and slipping into hypothermia.

Acting on instinct, Sheaman wrapped the toddler in his coat and held him against his chest to share body warmth, keeping the child alive until paramedics arrived. It was a lifesaving embrace that would forever bond them, though they went their separate ways after that harrowing night.

Fifteen years later, that once-fragile boy is a healthy, soft-spoken teenager. And he recently reappeared in Sheaman's life with a request that brought the veteran lawman to tears.

Now almost 18, David Lew penned a handwritten letter to thank Sheaman for giving him a second chance at life and to ask him to present his diploma at the Rock Springs High School graduation on May 27.

The timing couldn't have been more meaningful for Sheaman, who retires in May after more than 20 years in law enforcement, most of it with the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office. Just weeks earlier, the tragic loss of a young person he'd known from his early days in Rawlins deeply shook him during the Green River tunnels incident.

"In this line of work, you see a lot-some of it good, some of it crazy, and some of it heartbreaking," Sheaman said. "David reminds me of the good we can do. His letter came at just the right time for me."

Sheaman admits he got emotional reading it, and still gets emotional talking about it. To hear from the child he helped keep alive that night, now a thriving young adult, felt like validation for every hard day on the job. "Out of all the people he could've asked, I'm grateful he wants me there by his side on graduation day," Sheaman said.

In July 2010, Sheaman was a newly sworn deputy responding to a late-night distress call on Flaming Gorge Reservoir, known for its unpredictable weather. A sudden squall rendered their boat inoperable, leaving David's family soaked, shivering, and stranded. When deputies reached them in the dark, David was unconscious. Sheaman removed the toddler's wet life jacket, pressed him against his chest, and kept him warm during the rough ride back to shore. Paramedics later credited Sheaman's quick action with preventing advanced hypothermia.

David doesn't remember much about that night-he was only three-but he's heard the story his entire life. Inspired by his gratitude, he's grown into a driven young man. Now a Rock Springs High School senior, David is part of the Health Academy program and plans to begin his general studies at Western Wyoming Community College this fall. He also works part-time at his parents' restaurant in Rock Springs. Amid final exams and college prep, he still made time to reconnect and write the letter that would change Sheaman's final days on the job.

"I just told him who I was and that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him," David said. "I asked if he'd come to graduation and hand me my diploma. It felt like everything was coming full circle."

When Sheaman takes the stage with David at graduation on May 27, the moment will mark a triumphant, emotional capstone to a career defined by service-and now, legacy.

Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle said many at the agency have been moved by the story, with at least a few planning to attend the graduation in support.

"Moments like this are rare blessings in law enforcement," Grossnickle said. "We often meet people on their worst days and don't always see what follows. For Jeff to save a child and now share in his graduation is truly special."

Sheaman, for his part, insists he's the one who feels honored. Between clearing out his office and saying his goodbyes, he's been brushing up on how to hand off a diploma properly.

"I've done many things in my career, but I've never handed out a high school diploma," he said with a laugh. "I just hope I don't trip in front of everybody." Then, more seriously, he added, "This is what it's all about. Knowing I helped a kid grow up, graduate, and live a full life-I can retire happy picturing David walking across that stage."