Stefano Gargano

Deputy First Class  |  LCSO

When Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Stefano Gargano was wounded in an ambush that killed Master Deputy Bradley Link, he faced the kind of danger most people will never experience, but says his faith gave him the strength to move toward it.

“On that night, God gave me the strength and courage to step forward to attempt to rescue Brad and continued strength to recover,” he says.

The attack left Gargano seriously injured, but he says it also strengthened his faith and resolve. He continues to carry the memory of Link, whom he describes as a warrior, a servant and a Christian man whose sacrifice will remain with him for the rest of his life.

“There were plenty of opportunities along the way to let what happened break me, but I chose not to let it,” Gargano says. “Instead, I tried to use the experience to become more disciplined, stronger in my faith and a better Christian man than I was before.”

For Gargano, the badge has always represented service over self and a willingness to step between danger and those who cannot protect themselves, even when the cost is great.

Gargano joined the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in 2019 as a road patrol deputy before being selected for the Lake County Street Crimes Unit. He later became an operator on the Lake County SWAT Team. In 2021, he was selected as a sniper.