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50 states, 50 police heroes: How cops made an impact in 2019
From small acts to big ones, police officers did good all over this country every day in 2019
Looking for more inspiration? Don't miss our most recent edition of 50 states, 50 police heroes for 2020. We also publish a monthly roundup of stories about cops doing good over at The Up-Beat.
By Police1 Staff
Police heroism comes in many forms. From the small acts, like a cop taking a few moments from their duties to have a snowball fight with a group of local kids, to the big ones, like a group of LEOs saving countless lives by taking down an active shooter, police officers did good all over this country every day in 2019. Just as we did last year, we’ve rounded up one act of police heroism from each of the 50 states (plus D.C.!) – just a small sample of the great work America’s finest put in every day. Tell us your favorite moments of heroism from the year in the comments section, and remember to always share the good work that’s happening in your agency with the public; proactively telling your stories can go a long way toward combating negative narratives.
Alabama
On Wednesday in Alabama, a Walker County Sheriff's Office Deputy came across a man walking down the road with an oxygen...
Posted by Morgan County Sheriff's Office on Thursday, November 7, 2019
Deputies praised for driving veteran to doctor across county lines
A group of deputies from different counties worked together to make sure a disabled veteran didn’t have to walk to his doctor’s appointment. FULL STORY
Alaska
Retired cop in Alaska plane crash rescues victims while injured
Retired cop Kim Castro swam into frigid waters and pulled people to safety during a tragic, deadly plane collision. FULL STORY
Arizona
Charlie called 911 and requested a happy meal. 😵 How's your Sunday going? 🤣 #mesapd #mcdonalds
Posted by Kim Skabelund on Sunday, October 27, 2019
LEO brings child Happy Meal after mistaken 911 phone call
Officer Randolph “Scott” Valdez was sent to the home of 5-year-old Charlie Skabelund after Charlie called 911 asking for a Happy Meal. FULL STORY
Arkansas
Ark.’s oldest active LEO turns 90
Sometimes heroism is just simply spending a lifetime in service of others, like Leonard Charles Smith, who has worked in law enforcement for 56 years. FULL STORY
California
SAPD Recover Stolen Landscape Truck Via Phone AppOn 27 March 2019, between 11 am - 12 pm, a local man's landscape vehicle was stolen with all of his tools, cash for rent, and a cell phone. Total value estimated at $3k. The man is the sole provider for his family; his daughter called SAPD and reported the crime. Patrol Officers started pursuing the vehicle through an app on the iPhone and were able to locate the truck. The suspects were unwilling to cooperate thus reluctant to provide the location of his property. The Santa Ana Police Officers Association donated funds, and officers escorted the gentleman to purchase new equipment. #sapoa31strong#31strong #santaanapolicedepartment @sapoa31strong
Posted by Santa Ana Police Officers Association on Wednesday, March 27, 2019
LEOs donate their own money to landscaper whose car, tools were stolen
The officers donated and raised money to help the man get back to work. FULL STORY
Colorado
How an SRO is helping give a little boy the strength to walk
School Resource Officer Brad Gagon is going above and beyond to help Roman, a 7-year-old with cerebral palsy. FULL STORY
Connecticut
***Trooper Recognized for Apprehending Homicide Suspect*** MIDDLETOWN, CT (April 9, 2019) – In a ceremony at...
Posted by Connecticut State Police on Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Conn. LEO honored for role in capture of suspect who fatally stabbed NYPD police explorer
Trooper First Class Jason Cassavechia apprehended the 14th suspect in the slaying of Bronx teen Lesandro Guzman-Feliz. FULL STORY
Delaware
Delaware Special Olympics Opening CeremonyOn June 14, 2019 over 500 police officers representing every agency in the state of Delaware ran 160 miles to deliver the Flame of Hope to the Bob Carpenter Center. This weekend Special Olympics athletes competed in a multitude of individual and team sports to unify our community and continue to foster a world of acceptance and inclusion.
Posted by New Castle County Police on Sunday, June 16, 2019
Cops carry Special Olympics torch
Officers participated in a three-day, 160-mile torch run. FULL STORY
Florida
Officers Delivering BicycleField Training Officer Ken Cody and Officer Trainee Guang Song took a report of a stolen bicycle from the Winn Dixie in south Cape Coral. The victim was a male in his 80s and the bicycle was his only mode of transportation. After taking the report, both officers couldn’t just allow the victim to be without any way to get around so they went to Walmart and bought him a new bicycle. They delivered it to his home and made sure the seat was adjusted before leaving. A citizen took the time to share the incident on Facebook. Here is the video of the officers delivering the bicycle. The investigation is ongoing into finding the suspect that took the bicycle.
Posted by Cape Coral Police Department on Monday, February 18, 2019
Officers gift new bike to elderly man after his was stolen
Two officers went above and beyond for an 80-year-old man who lost his mode of transportation. FULL STORY
Georgia
This past Sunday, Officer Simmons (with the Duluth Police Department) attended Tye Clinner Birthday, which was hosted by...
Posted by Duluth Police Department on Monday, September 16, 2019
Cops throw birthday party for boy with cerebral palsy
Officers baked a cake, allowed children to check out police vehicles during the surprise event. FULL STORY
Hawaii
Hey Everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to let You all know we made it home safely from Hawaii today. Thank you for...
Posted by I DONUT need a reason to THANK a cop, Inc. on Saturday, August 10, 2019
Cops honor ‘donut boy’ as he completes mission to deliver sweet treat to cops in all 50 states
Kauai Chief of Police Todd Raybuck presented Tyler Carach with a number of gifts in recognition of his accomplishment. Hawaii was Carach’s last stop on his mission to deliver donuts to cops in all 50 states. FULL STORY
Idaho
Cop’s quick-thinking saves disabled man
“He gave him a chance to make it. He’s a hero to us.” FULL STORY
Illinois
shout out to Chicago PD for the collab ! 🚀🔥🎹
Posted by Erik Greeno on Saturday, September 21, 2019
Chicago cop joins street performer for impromptu performance
Video shows a crowd gathering to hear the surprise collaboration. FULL STORY
Indiana
Trooper saves choking child
State Trooper Ben Reason performed the Heimlich maneuver inside the family's minivan. FULL STORY
Iowa
Police rescue 2 people after raft overturns in downtown Des Moines
The dramatic rescue was captured on a bodycam. FULL STORY
Kansas
Four hours as a hostage leads man to career as an officer
A life-or-death encounter inspired the man to start a career in law enforcement. FULL STORY
Kentucky
Slain Ky. marshal honored over a century later in Texas
The marshal’s death until recently had been a lost part of history. FULL STORY
Louisiana
Video shows cops' intense gun battle with robbery suspects
Two men trying to steal a trove of pills from a drugstore demanded that New Orleans police blocking the exit “back up” before opening fire and striking an officer. FULL STORY
Maine
Our hearts are broken at the loss of our brother Det. Ben Campbell. Thank you all for your support on this terrible...
Posted by Maine State Police - Headquarters on Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Detective killed while aiding motorist
Ben Campbell’s final act was helping someone in need. FULL STORY
Maryland
Officer honored for bravery during methadone clinic shooting
Sgt. Bill Shiflett received the department's highest honor for his bravery during the active shooter incident. FULL STORY
Massachusetts
Officer helps couple deliver baby at home
"Normally the EMTs or Fire Department would handle a situation like this, but I just happened to be there first," the LEO said. FULL STORY
Michigan
What a great Detroit cop!! This is right outside Comerica park. The game was a rainout but this officer went way above and beyond to help this man shave!!!💙🖤
Posted by Jill Metiva Schafer on Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Cop helps homeless man trying to shave in puddle
“I just went over there, threw a pair of gloves on, took my water bottle out, dumped it in his cup and tried to help him shave.” FULL STORY
Minnesota
LEO hands out cold weather gear to homeless during big freeze
Over a 48-hour stretch, he handed out more than 100 pairs of donated hats and gloves to people on the streets. FULL STORY
Mississippi
The memorial tributes now cover the windshield of slain Biloxi police Patrolman Robert McKeithen. pic.twitter.com/y3xMw3BGJA
— Anita Lee (@CAnitaLee1) May 6, 2019
LEO helped at wreck shortly before he was shot to death
Patrolman Robert McKeithen’s final act was in service to others. FULL STORY
Missouri
So Officer Wehlermann was on patrol today and saw this flag hanging upside down at a local business on Noland Road. The...
Posted by Independence Police Department on Saturday, January 19, 2019
Officer praised for helping fix upside-down American flag at local business
The officer stepped in along with the help of some firefighters. FULL STORY
Montana
This Lady is helping @TrooperPesola slow drivers down on Finley Point. She’s running radar with her #SoloCup #FinleyPoint #SlowDown pic.twitter.com/zicvdRpCyc
— Timmy B (@timmyb48) August 18, 2019
LEO makes woman who used hair dryer to slow speeding drivers honorary trooper
"The best thing I could think of was (to) give her a trooper hat and a badge to make her look a little more official.” FULL STORY
Nebraska
Cops rescue suicidal man
While cops were talking to the man, he set the garage he was in on fire and locked the unit. FULL STORY
Nevada
Las Vegas officers honored for heroic acts were just 'doing their job'
The seventh annual “Best of the Badge” commendation ceremony recognized 70 cops for their good work. FULL STORY
New Hampshire
PDs use 'comfort dogs' to build community connections
These departments are taking on dogs trained to provide comfort to crime victims and trauma survivors. FULL STORY
New Jersey
There were so many heroes on Tuesday. Brave officers who confronted hundreds of rounds being fired at them. This video...
Posted by NJ State PBA on Thursday, December 12, 2019
Jersey City LEO praised for rushing to assist officer shot during gun battle
Sgt. Majorie Jordan abandoned her cover to assist an officer who was shot in the shoulder. FULL STORY
New Mexico
Northwest Are Command officers rescued 11 ducklings who fell through a storm drain at 528 and Ellison. The ducklings were taken to the Rio Grande Nature Center as their mother was no longer on scene. pic.twitter.com/lYyndg2Oua
— Albuquerque Police Department (@ABQPOLICE) May 1, 2019
Cops rescue ducklings from storm drain
The 11 ducklings were stuck in the drain. FULL STORY
New York
Detective who fought for 9/11 compensation funding dies
Detective Luis Alvarez fought for what was right until the very end. Thanks in part to his efforts, a bill ensuring that the 9/11 victims' compensation fund never runs out of money was signed into law. FULL STORY
North Carolina
Police thwart mass shooting plot
The student was arrested with guns and ammunition in his dorm room. FULL STORY
North Dakota
Officer honored with Thunderbirds flight for community policing work
Matt Niemeyer works with kids to build bonds between law enforcement and the youth. FULL STORY
Ohio
LEOs take down mass shooter
Officers stopped the suspect moments before he entered a bar. FULL STORY
Oklahoma
Drumming officer interacts with citizens from our great cityLast Friday, our officers were called to a loud noise complaint in south OKC. When they got there, they found a man set up playing drums. Officer Nate Ross was the first to arrive. He chatted with the man, explaining that they had been called there because someone was complaining that the music was too loud. Little did anyone know that Officer Ross used to play the drums back in the day. Someone happened to capture Ross sitting down, showing them how it was done. When asked about this call, Officer Ross said, "I firmly believe that the success of our department, in part, is about our interactions with citizens. I could have gone over there, talking down to them, telling them it was too loud and they needed to turn it down...but this was a lot more fun...it gave me a chance to interact with the people I serve. I got some hugs and handshakes at the end of it all, then they turned it down and left." Yes, our officers have a job to do, and laws to enforce, but how great is it when we can interact with the great citizens we serve?? #loveit #okcpd #communitypolicing #drummingcop
Posted by Oklahoma City Police Department on Monday, April 29, 2019
Okla. LEO plays drums with band while responding to noise complaint
When the LEO responded to the complaint, he decided to play the drums with the band before telling them to turn down the music. FULL STORY
Oregon
Officer shot multiple times applied tourniquet to herself
Dispatch audio captured the moment a shot and wounded Oregon officer administered aid to herself while waiting for paramedics to arrive. FULL STORY
Pennsylvania
Today @ #karaokewithacop Peace ✌️Love ❤️ & Positivity 😃 #karaokewithacop @PhillyPolice @PPDMGillespie @6abc @FOX29philly @PPDDerrickWood @NBCPhiladelphia pic.twitter.com/E2kQNXqpAD
— Nur Ali (@Nuralimusic) July 26, 2019
Pa. cops use karaoke to build community relationships
The officers started hosting events in the neighborhood they patrol to address negative police perception. FULL STORY
Rhode Island
Quick-thinking LEOs save choking baby's life
The baby’s mother thanked God the officers were there. FULL STORY
South Dakota
Cops raise money to help needy children have a better Christmas
The money helped 115 children. FULL STORY
South Carolina
Deputy saves infant's life
Deputy William Kimbro took the limp baby from her mother and performed first aid to save her during a traffic stop. FULL STORY
Tennessee
Allison Haley Garrett sent this to me and I have to say it triggered my soft side. Allison is a dispatcher and was able to take her father’s final sign off for his retirement! Seriously couldn’t love this enough! Thank you for your service of 25 years Lt. Austin L. Garrett and congratulations on your new endeavors as Chief Deputy of Hamilton Co. S.O! Officer Daniels 911Strong Set_the_example Fire Department Chronicles Ohio Cops Ohio Going Blue Diary of a Mad Dispatcher
Posted by Officer Smith on Saturday, February 9, 2019
Dispatcher takes dad’s final sign off ‘I love you daddy’
Lt. Austin Garrett retired from his PD after 25 years of service. But his service continues: he became a chief deputy at another PD shortly after. FULL STORY
Texas
Officer in viral photo praised for compassion
“He started crying. I almost cried too. I tried to keep the composure.” FULL STORY
Utah
UHP Trooper saves person on tracksBREAKING: Utah Highway Patrol released the dashcam footage from this morning's accident.
Posted by KSL Newsradio on Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Cop pulls man from train’s path in close-call rescue
The train collided with the man’s vehicle seconds after the trooper pulled him free. FULL STORY
Vermont
Agencies across Vermont collect toys for ill children
A firefighter and trooper collectively came up with the idea to give back to the community and launched “Operation Fire Cuffs,” now in its ninth year. FULL STORY
Virginia
Posted by Iesha Roper Boswell on Thursday, February 14, 2019
Officer plays dolls with girls in street
The officer decided to take a moment with the girls after responding to a gas leak in their neighborhood. FULL STORY
Washington
SnowmageddonPatrol Log 1230 hours – Big Rock Ballfields: During inclement weather conditions, Duvall Officers were dispatched to a group of suspicious characters in a local park. Officers arrived and contacted a group of local hostiles, who were armed with improvised projectiles made out of fluffy snow. Officers put up a valent effort, but were immediately out-gunned and numbers were just not on their side. Officers apologize to Officer Clark who was left behind as they tactically retreated. Just another day in Duvall…
Posted by Duvall Police Department on Monday, February 4, 2019
Police get in snowball fight with kids during snowstorm
Officers grabbed a tactical shield and had fun with local kids during a winter storm. FULL STORY
West Virginia
Cops save kid’s birthday party after no one shows up
Cops saved the day for 5-year-old Cameron. FULL STORY
Wisconsin
There are no words....Pure Joy! Thank you to everyone who took the time to organize and participate in this. Emma is...
Posted by Team Emma - Emmalovesdogs7 on Saturday, March 9, 2019
Terminally ill girl visited by almost 40 PDs, K-9s
A terminally ill Wisconsin girl who loves dogs was able to spend a day with K-9 officers. FULL STORY
Wyoming
Deputies use lasso to rescue deer from frozen pond
The LEOs lassoed the deer and brought it up to the surface. FULL STORY
Washington D.C.
Thankful mom reunited with transit cop who calmed her autistic son on train ride
Noisy train platforms can get overwhelming for anybody, but for 4-year-old Andrew, who has autism, a recent ride put him over the edge. FULL STORY