Heroes in Santa Maria Court Bombing Honored with Guerry Awards

Heroes in Santa Maria Court Bombing Honored with Guerry Awards

On the morning of Sept. 25, 2024, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Nelson was just feet away from an explosive that sent burning debris flying and filled the lobby of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria with smoke.  He and private security guard Steve Neil acted quickly, chasing the bombing suspect through smoke and out to his vehicle where he had a loaded rifle, a shotgun and more improvised explosives.  Nelson w…