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.
When a critical incident from the past comes back in a very personal way, it provides a reminder of why this work matters
Inspired by a century-old Texas Rangers’ prayer, W. Thomas Smith Jr. crafted a modern invocation for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, reflecting faith, courage and service in 2025
Diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and given 5 months to live, DJ Daniel now aims to join as many police agencies as possible
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who has joined over 1,300 LE agencies nationwide, took the oath at City Hall in full uniform with Mayor Adams
Alexandria Police Officer Whitney Buerger, once saved by an AED herself, delivered a shock that revived a man in cardiac arrest
Kansas City Officer Hunter Simoncic, 26, was deploying stop sticks when the driver swerved toward him in what the chief called an intentional act
New York State Police Sergeant Frederick W. Scheidt Jr., 67, retired on October 14, 2009, after 30 years of service
Lt. Donald Bossi was hit by a stolen motorcycle and “propelled” 45 feet from the impact on June 21
After Mich. boy calls 911 to tell officers about his brother’s birthday, police join the celebration
Micah Porter, 4, dialed 911 and spoke to dispatchers; after he mentioned that his brother Mitch’s birthday was the next day, Farmington Hills PD joined the celebration
Using his own income, Savannah State University Officer Armani Phaire helps cover bills and expenses for residents to foster goodwill
Sgt. Lee Sorensen and Officer Eric Estrada were fatally shot before backup arrived; after the officers were shot, bystanders persuaded the man to put down his weapon
The Maui Police Department reported that when officers arrived, they encountered an armed suspect who fired at them, striking Officer Suzanne O in the chest
Trooper First Class Dennis D. Ricks was hit by a box truck while conducting a stop on I-26
Lt. Albert Stout, a 31-year veteran, died from typhus complications after exposure at the city’s animal control facility
A DeKalb County Police officer was killed while responding to an active shooter who fired shots into CDC buildings before being found dead
Wounded Trooper Joseph Perechinsky, after suffering two gunshots to the chest, stopped traffic in the area and applied a tourniquet to his colleague, Trooper William Jenkins
A retired captain’s moving tribute honors the fallen and comforts those left behind — this powerful piece has echoed at national and local memorials
The patch features a cartoon image of DJ in uniform and is emblazoned with “Houston Police,” DJ’s hometown department
The fundraiser, spearheaded by Gideon and Josiah Trank’s lemonade stand, supported the family of fallen Lorain officer Phillip Wagner and the recovery of two wounded officers
When three Great Danes attacked a five-year-old, his mother brought him to a reserve deputy and Hernando County paramedic, who helped care for the boy’s injuries until help arrived
“These heroes represented the best of our department, exemplifying courage, integrity, and selfless service,” said L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna
Video from the Fall River Police Department details the challenges police and firefighters faced as they worked for over 40 minutes to save lives during the fire that killed 10
Knox County Deputy Dalton Swanger was struck with a heavy object, causing multiple injuries and a grand mal seizure
Kerr County deputies, Kerville PD, firefighters and volunteers are working around the clock to locate missing people and recover victims after the July 4 disaster claimed at least 95 lives
As of June 2025, line of duty deaths decreased by more than half compared with the same period in 2024, with decreases in deaths caused by both firearms and traffic incidents
The child was “severely dehydrated, emaciated and barely clinging on to life,” Phoenix police said
Deputy Devin Mason, who had finished field training one week prior, and another officer were inside a home when they were attacked, the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office stated
Officer Kendall Corder, 32, died after he and another officer were shot while responding to a weapons call
Phillips County Deputy Brandon Gaede was shot while handcuffing a man during an illegal fireworks call; Gaede shot and killed the suspect before he died from his injuries
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