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.
A six-year push for the day of appreciation, inspired by heroism and tragedy, culminated in the designation of Oct. 28 to honor first responders
Tractor Supply is saluting emergency providers – and offering them key savings
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund will hold a variety of events – including many that are open to the public – from Sept. 27-29
“He was the guy that would take the extra time to talk to kids ...” a colleague said. “He would spend the time and really get to know them on that level and to show them that we are people that do care about them as well.”
Joseph Zadroga’s advocacy led to the passing of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010, named after Zadroga’s son
“Officer [Pierce] Norton was highly regarded by those he worked with, his supervisors and all that knew him, both within the Department and by those he served,” the Boston Police Department said
“When deputies arrived, they found a dazed and bleeding male outside of the vehicle and noticed that an adult female and small child in a car seat were still trapped inside the vehicle just above water,” deputies said
Trooper Michelle Archer pulled a rope and flotation device from her cruiser, ran to the pond and swam to the girl
In 1987, Tom Weitzel was issuing a parking ticket when he was ambushed and shot by a gang member; the incident taught him the importance of standing by his officers in the best and worst of times
“I sincerely commend the valiant efforts of these deputies in this life-threatening situation,” said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “They acted swiftly and selflessly, preventing an even greater tragedy from occurring”
“There is no question in my mind that Jack’s actions that night prevented further harm to our officers and those that were there.” said Weatherford PD Chief Lance Arnold
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund releases 2023 year-end fatalities report depicting firearms fatalities were the leading cause of law enforcement deaths in 2023
Madalyn Jarreau was 5 years old when she went to a fallen officer’s funeral procession; she graduated from the academy 18 years later
Virginia Beach officers broke the driver’s window and pulled him out of the car before it became engulfed by flames
NYPD
“He worked hard for his city, right up to the end. And he left it a better place,” Mayor Eric Adams stated
Durham PD Officer J.T. Rose said that the suspect had an arm wrapped around his throat and was reaching for his service weapon when Chaplain Scott Wilkos intervened
History has shown that American citizens will eventually stand up to protect themselves
Bass Reeves, a U.S. deputy marshal in the western district of Indian Territory, took a warrant to arrest his son after he shot and killed his wife
"[Mr. Warner] had over 500 apprehensions. He worked hard,” K-9 handler Eric Blair said. “These dogs do so much and ask for so little. He just wants a bone and a toy”
“[Deputy] Eric Minix was a dedicated deputy and K-9 officer, but more importantly, he was a friend to everyone who knew him,” the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement
Officer Tuan Le was shot and killed by a burglary suspect while responding to a scene in plainclothes
Officer Victor Claudio had served the Cleveland Police Department for 23 years and was awarded a distinguished service medal in 2014
Sergeant Mike Russ was a U.S. Navy veteran and a 16-year veteran of the Chattanooga Police Department
Deputy Cory Patterson, who witnessed a man drive into a fence, broke into the man’s locked car and began administering lifesaving care immediately
“Her quick and calm response under pressure saved recruit (Solomon) Kessio’s life,” said Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal
“One of my supervisors didn’t realize that there were as many deaf people in the county until I worked here,” Deputy Preston Kite said. “He’s surprised by the amount of times I’m called out somewhere”
“[The officer] was a loving husband, father, son and brother with 22 years of service to the department,” said Greensboro Police Department Chief John Thompson
Sgt. Marc McIntyre had been with the Spalding County Sheriff’s Office since 2015 and was a military veteran who served in Iraq
K-9 Maxa tracked and located the child, who was unharmed, in a wooded area near the family’s home
“You don’t know what we’re going to encounter and what we’re going to walk into, and ... [serving the public] was something that I always wanted to do,” Officer Tom Dombroski said
"[Officer Tuan Le] will be remembered for his kindness, his smile, and the positive change he brought to the lives of those around him,” the city of Oakland said. “He is a true hero who dedicated his life to making our community safer”
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