More than 300 people packed the Community Center last week (today) to honor police employees and volunteers who earned promotions, saved lives and made other contributions to public safety.
One moment stood out. Multiple gunshots rang out over the audio system, then an officer’s voice. “Shots fired. Officer down. Code three.”
There was just a hint of distress in his voice as he called for backup.
It was St. Patrick’s Day when the car stop turned violent.
A suspect fired a round at point blank range, hitting the officer in the chest. Fortunately, he was wearing a vest. The suspect continued to fire, hitting the officer’s right arm and left leg.
“Because of his mental preparation and quiet determination, (the officer) was able to remain in control of a terrible situation, while providing details which ultimately aided in the capture of the two suspects,” said Sgt. Jeff Stuart.
As Police Chief Dan Hughes wrapped a Medal of Bravery around the officer’s neck, the crowd erupted in wild applause.
And it wasn’t just the officer (who requested his name not be used) who Hughes honored for their actions for their response to the shooting.
Dispatchers Christina North, Amy Nguyen and Julie Ruiz and Officer Mike McCaskill earned Chief’s Commendations, and hugs from the injured officer. They maintained their cool during the crisis, and got him the help that ultimately led to his recovery.
North was “living every dispatcher’s worst nightmare; one of her officers was shot,” Sgt. Jeff Stuart told the audience. “Not knowing his condition or if he would survive, Tina maintained her poise and professionalism during this most chaotic time.”
McCaskill was at his colleague’s side in less than a minute. He scooped the officer, shot more than three times, into his patrol car and raced him to be treated at St. Jude Hospital. “By arriving so rapidly, assessing the situation, and responding swiftly, he gave” the officer the best chance of recovery, Stuart said.
Earning life-saving medals: Richard Gibson and Cpl. Steve Rubio, who saved a drowning 20-month-old a decade ago; Sgt. Craig Odom, who pulled a woman from a burning car; Sgt. Steve Williams, who used a Taser to stop a suicidal man and then treated his wounds until paramedics arrived.
To read about the rest of the honorees and new and promoted officers, please visit the site next week.
