Police Heroes
Police heroes come in many forms. On the Police Heroes topic page, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the mission to protect their communities.
How two officers used hand-drawn art and heart to rebuild trust with a generation in crisis
Why I didn’t — and what happened when I chose empathy over efficiency
It’s time to match praise with policy for those on the front lines
The ambush attack killed Lorain Officer Phillip Wagner and wounded Officers Brent Payne and Peter Gale
Master Police Officer Don Gotthardt had served the Fairfax County Police Department for 25 years and had served in law enforcement for 34
Deputy Joe Vasquez took the stand in the trial of former school police officer Adrian Gonzales, who is facing nearly 30 criminal charges over the delayed response to the shooting
“[Commander Scott Aaron] served our department and community with the utmost dedication, compassion, and professionalism,” Oxnard PD Chief Jason Benites stated
Copperas Cove Officer Elijah Garretson, 27, joined the PD seven months ago and earned the Academic Award after graduating with the highest GPA in his academy class
Joseph “Joe” Alu Jr. served as a Plantation PD officer for more than 20 years, despite being severely burned in a home explosion during a hostage call on July 25, 1995
Body camera footage from the Suffolk County Police Department shows officers walking into the pond, tossing the boy a life ring before one sergeant went out to retrieve him
“This journey has been a long and painful road — not only for Erik, but for his family, who have carried this weight with unwavering strength, faith, and love,” the Port St. Lucie PD said
D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Terry Bennett was struck by a vehicle while he was working to assist a stranded motorist
Brooklyn Center police and firefighters worked together to contain the fire, which required 30,000 gallons of water to suppress
Syracuse Officer John Canestrare and Firefighter/EMT Rick Macheda performed CPR for 10 minutes before a pulse returned, saving the woman outside a burning home
“Different agencies, one mission,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol stated. “Save a life. And they did ... If you are struggling, please hear this. You matter, and help is available.”
During Shaquille O’Neal’s tenure as Director of Community Relations, the agency has documented 370 community events and 25,000 meals provided to families
Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook is credited with protecting civilians during the deadly attack; he leaves behind his wife and 1-year-old daughter
“Detective Wallen placed himself in harm’s way for the safety of others in the moments following the death of Deputy Andrew Nunez,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus stated
Cpl. Matthew “Ty” Snook, 34, was fatally shot while working an overtime assignment and is credited with pushing a civilian to safety before being struck again
The trooper was working an overtime assignment at the reception desk when the 44-year-old gunman walked in, approached the trooper and fired, state police said
Phoenicia firefighter and Fire District Commissioner Michael J. Ryan, a veteran of multiple law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Air Force, suffered a medical emergency during the rescue
The doors would not unlock, so Sgt. S. Page had to break a window and cut through an airbag to pull the injured driver to safety
A chief’s reflection on the sacrifice, resilience and humanity that define the men and women who serve
After James “XY” Brown served the Jacksonville PD as a full-time officer for 14 years, he became a school crossing guard, the role where he made his biggest impact on the community
Grand Island police broke a window and pulled the man from a smoke-filled vehicle moments before it was fully engulfed in flames
Support first responders injured in the line of duty, new recruit education and the families of the fallen
Officer James “J.T.” Taylor’s blood donation mission shows the power of post-traumatic growth
“Officer [Edwar] Talia’s quick and heroic actions undoubtedly saved this baby’s life,” the Sterling Heights Police Department stated
Body camera footage shows Officers Luis Aguilar and Bryant Ochoa using batons to break through the back windows before pulling the driver out
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