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.
When a critical incident from the past comes back in a very personal way, it provides a reminder of why this work matters
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
From a very early age, Boston Police Officer Dennis “D.J.” Simmonds wanted to be a hero
Toft Jessen, a WWII veteran and possibly the oldest living retired officer in the U.S., was honored for a career that included surviving a 1970 ambush and serving 37 years with Oakland PD
The loss of K-9 Fury was a heartbreaking reminder that tragedy can strike without warning — and that every agency must be ready to lead through the aftermath
“If I have cancer and I can do it, then so can he,” said Springboro Police Department Officer Megan Graham, who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2024
Stranded in a flood and swept off her feet, this Tennessee trooper showed what true service looks like — even after the rescue
“His swift, decisive action likely prevented a much more serious incident and protected everyone in the area from potential harm,” the Stockbridge PD stated
“The driver had a serious leg injury and was unable to get any further away from the fire,” South Brunswick police chief Raymond Hayducka said
“I was like, if they’re going to walk, then I’m going to walk too, because it’s my job,” Oachita Deputy Nathan Lane said
Two Mason County patrol deputies were the first to arrive at the scene and found individuals trapped on second-floor balconies
The boy had fallen into the lock, which had a tall concrete wall preventing him from climbing out, when he attempted to walk his bike across a narrow wall
The 345 names include 148 officers killed in 2024, spanning federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, campus and military agencies
“These two officers didn’t even think twice about going into that house and pulling that woman out,” Johnstown Deputy Chief Mark Britton said
Royer, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with 26 years in the mortgage industry, is the visionary behind the HELPER Act, a bill aimed at providing first responders with VA-style home loan benefits
A nationwide call for agencies to support a brave boy’s inspirational journey
Two Mount Pleasant police officers turned a 911 call over ice cream into a lighthearted teaching moment — complete with a sweet ending
Newark Police Department Officer Joseph Anthony Azcona was shot to death while investigating illegal gun activity; a 14-year-old is suspected in the killing
Officers faced historic challenges during the pandemic, with many falling ill in the line of duty; NLEOMF has formally recognized COVID-19 as a line-of-duty death
"[Warren Police Officer Jacob Brooklier] took charge, placing the child in a rescue position, and initiating chest compressions,” the department stated
“Officer Allatt showed bravery, strength and composure throughout the duration of the call,” the Bridgewater Police Department said. “[His] swift actions saved the life of the driver”
Before Joseph Wambaugh, cops in books and movies were flat and unrealistic. His writing brought them to life — and changed law enforcement storytelling forever
Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, who has battled cancer since age 6, became the youngest-ever Secret Service agent; DJ has been sworn into more than 871 police departments
“The outstanding communication by dispatch and the quick actions of the MCSO deputies...ensured the safety of the two residents of the home and the family dog,” the Macomb County Sheriff’s office stated
“A SERT member located fresh footprints in the snow...” Mass. State Police said. “[A K-9] joined SERT members in a thorough search, following footprints...for more than 90 minutes”
Among the speakers at Saturday’s memorial service was Officer Cameron Girvin’s wife, Jessica, who is expecting the couple’s first child in August
“Andrew’s last physical act on the face of this earth was to run back towards the threat area,” dragging the other officer to safety and holding his hand in comfort, West York Police Chief Matthew Millsaps said
Recently featured on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Craig and Rob Lewis offer a creative outlet that helps active and retired service members and first responders cope with the trauma and stress of the job through classic car restoration
Chandler Officer Brian Larison said he made a split-second decision to take an alternate route to work, which is how he ended up at the scene
“With an atmospheric river bringing relentless wind and rain, conditions were far from ideal, but that didn’t stop Monterey County Search and Rescue,” the team posted on Facebook
Albuquerque PD Sgt. Brandon Watts returned fire after being shot in the hip by a suspect; after a tourniquet was applied to his leg, he got back up and continued to direct officers
“It brings strength to me seeing the people that had the strength to come and get me when I had zero strength,” Natalee Cramer said
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