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.
These are challenging times to be a first responder; your support is welcome and appreciated
Now more than ever, police officers need to see their work recognized and appreciated
On October 17, 2023, a Texas Ranger Sergeant brought justice to the killers of Lt. Milton Resendez, earning the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Mary Lu tracked the child’s scent to a locked park bathroom, where she was found safe
Officer Jacob Noriega climbed in with the critically injured faculty member and applied pressure to his wounds, while Officer Ty Vesperas drove the cruiser to an ambulance a few blocks away
Officer Joe Schumaker fell through the ice himself, but was still able to save the boy
Trooper Joel Popp joined the Michigan State Police in 2020; he is survived by his wife and young daughter
“Having experienced something like this less than six months on the force is definitely something I’m proud of, and again, I just thank God I was able to perform in the moment,” Officer Soren Osicka said
Officer Troy Ellison showed no hesitation when he arrived at the scene and quickly got the boy to safety
At just 18 years old, Donnie was controlling a chaotic murder scene while others his age were still struggling to control their acne
“As the chief I am very proud of my officers for taking this call to action with using their training and teamwork to help bring a beautiful little girl, Millie, into this world,” Sparta Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said
“I’m profoundly grateful for the department and the community. I love you guys,” Sgt. Elliot Anthony said, adding that he was trying not to cry
The officer sent a lifeline to the man via his dog, Ruby, who carried it across the ice
Presentation will take place at Golden Knights Law Enforcement Appreciation Night
“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”
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