By Kathleen Haughney
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A Maryville police offer took home the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor on Friday in recognition of his work in a domestic dispute case last August.
On Aug. 17, officer Matthew Spaller responded to a domestic disturbance call where a man threatened his ex-wife with a knife unless she handed over a gun that was hidden in the house. The victim was able to escape and as Spaller interviewed her, the husband came toward them, pulled out a gun and fired in their direction.
Spaller returned fire, striking the man in the heart and chest area, ultimately killing him.
Spaller said that he was very “humbled” by the award and the attention he has received because of the case.
“Luckily it’s dying down now,” he said, adding that the attention made him “very uncomfortable.”
Spaller was one of 28 law enforcement officers honored in Springfield at the Governor’s mansion.
Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent said most of the officers were people who did not like to seek out recognition or think of themselves as heroes.
“They do what they are supposed to do,” Trent said.
Copyright 2008 Post-Dispatch