Officers shot protecting congressman named ‘Officer of the Year’

By Police1 Staff

WASHINGTON — Two police officers were honored with the Officer of the Year award after jumping into action when a congressman was shot.

FOX News reported that Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey were honored with the award for their actions in the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise in June when a gunman critically injured him at a Congressional baseball practice.

“Special Agents Griner’s and Bailey’s selection as Officer of the Year … is a significant honor from the law enforcement community and is a testament to their heroism on June 14,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matt Verderosa said. “The Department, and I as their Chief, are tremendously proud of all of them and congratulate them.”

Griner and Bailey were both shot in the incident, but survived their injuries.

After the shooting, the two officers were also given the Medal of Valor award by President Trump, who called their actions heroic.

“Many lives would have been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down the gunman despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault,” President Trump said. “Our brave Capitol Police perform a challenging job with incredible skill, and their sacrifice makes democracy possible.”

Alexandria Police Department Officers Kevin Jobe, Nicole Battaglia and Alexander Jensen were also honored with the Officer of the Year award.