Kemp said Madison was one of the “real heroes” of the community after encountering an armed suspect who had abducted a woman Aug. 10.

“Deputy Eric Madison did not count the costs or weigh his options when he showed up on the scene that day,” Kemp said. “He vowed many years ago, as you all know, to serve and protect. ... He deserves all the praise and accolades that we can give him even though he doesn’t want them.”

Burke County sheriff’s deputies were searching for a burgundy Toyota Camry, which Madison spotted that afternoon and stopped at the corner of Farmer’s Bridge and Springhill Church roads.