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.
While each memorial is unique to its department and location, they all have one thing in common: to honor officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice
Cierra McCartney’s tribute to her late husband inspires nationwide movement to show appreciation for police, one cup of coffee at a time
For the families of the fallen, “their biggest fear is that their officer will be forgotten and we keep that promise that they never will”
The December 2021 incident shows the suspect in a police vest walking toward Agent Ashley Ferris, who was later shot in the abdomen before fatally wounding the suspect
Both deputies were transported to the University of Oklahoma Medical Center, where Sgt. Bobby Swartz died; the other deputy is in stable condition
“We are honored by the Chargers’ support of America’s wounded officers,” Lt. Randy Sutton, founder of The Wounded Blue, said
Officer Rick Hirshey returned as a school resource officer, an occasion that marked a closing chapter in his recovery from the March shooting
Special Agent Jose Perez was hit by another driver while he was responding to a building alarm on August 3
Capt. William Hargraves struck a light pole after a collision with another vehicle and died from his injuries at the scene
The 10-year-old was hanging on to a structure at the Four Mile Dam when responders arrived
“The death sentence is the law in the state of Indiana and if it was going to be pursued this is the kind of case where it needs to be pursued,” prosecutors said
“With great power comes great responsibility ...”
“When I got the letter, I teared up and cried. It touched me deeply,” Deputy David Morrow said
The initiative follows the death of Elwood Officer Noah Shahnavaz, who was shot through the windshield of his cruiser
“I mean, it was pretty obvious, if we don’t pull him out, there’s only one way how that ends,” Deputy Daniel Hill said
The incident occurred the same day more LAPD patrols were approved for the Hollywood area
Wake County Sheriff’s Deputy Ned Byrd was fatally shot outside his vehicle with his K-9 still inside the vehicle
The officers ensured that the groom – as well as the floral arrangements and other members of the wedding party – made it safely to their destination
“The heat was so intense that part of the MCSO Marine vessel melted,” the sheriff’s office wrote on Facebook
Deputies had visited Ernesto’s home after his previous bike was stolen; he has been grieving the loss of his father who died in 2020
The man had been shot through an artery in an arm, which was spurting blood
Deputy Ned Byrd was fatally shot “more than once” while outside of the unmarked SUV he was driving
Olivia Bartulovic responded to two calls for victims in cardiac arrest, who were able to survive thanks to the officer’s early CPR efforts
The officers placed a pillow under 14-year-old Ryder’s head and also cooled him down with a hose
After returning to his patrol vehicle, Cpl. Chad Beattie began feeling ill and collapsed
Officer Thomas Decker was murdered on November 29, 2012, and the residents of Cold Spring, Minnesota want to make sure his sacrifice is never forgotten
The Violently Injured Police Officer’s Organization is working to secure the benefits officers deserve and need to support their families
One day before his death, Noah Shahnavaz stopped to compliment the mural’s artist, not knowing the artwork would eventually pay tribute to his ultimate sacrifice
“They did not hesitate. They knew what needed to be done and they acted to preserve life,” Chief Eric Winstrom said
Just 10 minutes earlier, the deputy had encountered the man while responding to a domestic call
Deputy Andrew Peery, 39, was among three officers who responded to a 911 call near a high school
“Noah destroyed any barriers that got in his way,” Officer Shahnavaz’s mother said in her eulogy
Video of the release racked up 22,000 views and nearly 200 comments, including some who said they “cried a little” at the sight of the turtles heading out to sea