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.
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
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 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
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
“Today’s life sentence for a drug trafficker is a fitting tribute to Agent Billy Clardy III,” Attorney General Steve Marshall stated
Sgt. Shiou Deng, a 26-year veteran of the department, was struck by oncoming traffic after attempting to give aid in a crash
An off-duty San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputy took action after a Fontana man shot and fatally wounded a man and a woman
Just weeks out of the academy, Officer Dakota DeClerck carried survivors from the rubble and cleared debris amid dangerous conditions captured on bodycam
“His shift is over, he’s taken off his gear,” said Brooklyn Park PD Chief Mark Bruley. “...He looks at a couple officers, and says, ‘Hey, just to be safe, why don’t you go up and just check on Hortman’s house?’”
Congress created the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program in 1976, but expansions in eligibility have made the program more popular and complex to administer
Joliet Battalion Fire Chief Dan Berta and Officer Salazar used a ladder to reach residents trapped on a third-floor balcony as flames spread
Policing podcast profiles: ‘On Being a Police Officer’ podcast shares the raw truth behind the badge
What began as a civilian’s effort to support police during 2020’s civil unrest has grown into a powerful platform for officer storytelling
Charleston County Master Deputy Alexander McKinnon was shopping when a man attempted a jewelry theft; McKinnon detained the man when the man threatened to have him shot
After the Freeman family shared that their son was battling a medical condition, Lake Baldwin Officer Samuel Riveros followed up on his condition and gave them a police patch
A Delaware County mother is thanking officers and paramedics who revived her baby during a medical emergency outside the closed Crozer-Chester Medical Center
After being taken off life support, Bloomfield Officer Timothy Ontiveros’ family made the decision to ‘continue to help others’ through the donation, New Mexico Donor Services stated
Milford K9 duo earns National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Officers of the Month honors after lifesaving water rescue
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- Colo. officer killed, second seriously injured in crash with suspected DUI driver
- Video: Ariz. officer jumps into pool, smashes submerged car’s sunroof to rescue trapped driver
- 2 Fla. motorcycle deputies killed, 1 critical after being struck by vehicle
- Ga. deputy killed in ambush shooting during domestic dispute call by suspect who died by suicide
- Rural Colo. deputy arrived first to at least 7 fires in past 2 months, using 8 fire extinguishers