Medal of Valor Class A
Established 1972
Awarded to a member who, conscious of danger, intelligently and in the line of police duty, distinguishes himself by the performance of an act of gallantry and valor at imminent personal hazard to life, above and beyond the call of duty.
July 18,1985
Officer Dennis R. Abel
Officer Richard S. Horman
Officer Richard J. Schmidt
On July 18, 1985, these officers responded to a call of a violent domestic
where the suspect was threatening his girlfriend with a knife. The suspect
fled on foot from the house as the officers arrived. The officers located
the suspect and a struggle look place. During the ensuing confrontation
the suspect gained control of an officer’s revolver and shot Officer
Horman and Officer Abel. Officer Schmidt was able to gain control of
the weapon and the suspect was shot and killed.
December 11, 1985
Officer Kenneth McIntosh
On December 17,1985, a suspect robbed a downtown jewelry store at gun
point and fled through the skyway system. Officer McIntosh pursued
the suspect to a nearby beauty salon. Inside, the suspect herded three
employees into a back room with his gun. In defense of the hostages
and his own life, Officer McIntosh fatally wounded the suspect.
June 25, 1987
Officer Eugene Polyak
On June 25, 1987, Officer Polyak responded to a report of an armed bar
patron. The officer persuaded the man to accompany him outside to talk.
Once there, the suspect drew a Colt 45 caliber and fired upon the officer.
Polyak, shot in the chest and hand, returned fire and mortally wounded
the assailant.
September 18, 1990
Officer Michael Hinzman
For his act of gallantry and valor in engaging an armed and dangerous
suspect. Officer Hinzman fired two shots, fatally wounding the suspect,
who had pointed a handgun at the officer.
December 16, 1990
Officer Gerald Vick
For distinguishing himself by courageously entering a smoke-filled house,
where he located and brought to safety a one-year-old child.
May 16,1992
Officer Mark Pierce
Officer Shoua Cha
For their courageous actions, under fire, surrounding the pursuit and
arrest of an armed suspect.
January 17,1993
Sergeant John Pyka
Officer Thomas Smith
For their bravery and courage, under gunfire, during the execution of
a search warrant resulting in the arrest of an armed suspect.
August 8,1993
Officer Archie Smith
For his bravery and dedication while off duty, in rescuing a small child
from drowning in a pond near his home and diligently searching for
another child in the same pond.
October 12, 1993
Officer David Timm
For his courageous actions when faced with a life threatening situation
involving three teenage robbers who confronted him at gun point.
August 26, 1994
Officer Ronald Ryan, Jr.
For his ultimate sacrifice, when answering a “slumper” call,
he came under gunfire from the slumper and was fatally wounded by those
shots.
August 26, 1994
Officer Timothy Jones
K-9 Laser
For his ultimate sacrifice, and that of K-9 Laser, who were searching
in an off-duty status for the killer of Officer Ronald Ryan, Jr. They
were ambushed by the same suspect and the wounds suffered were fatal.
September 3, 1994
Officer Heidemarie Riemenscheider
Officer Brian Reed
For their actions dealing with a suspect who turned and fired numerous
times at them as the suspect fled a car stop situation.
January 10, 1995
Officer Michael Ardolf
For his courage, professionalism and dedication by disabling an armed
suspect who was pointing a handgun directly at Officer Ardolf and other
officers.
November 30, 1995
Officer James K. Gray
Officer Anthony Pangal
For their actions resulting from a fleeing suspect that had fired at
officers. A return of gunfire and eventual arrest of the party who had
charges of multiple burglaries, robberies and attempted homicide.
July 7, 1996
Officer Timothy K. Bradley
Officer Lucia T. Wroblewskl
Officer Vincent Martin
For the arrest of an armed aggravated assault suspect in a tense and
dangerous situation. Suspect exchanged gunfire with officers and fled
scene in a car. Suspect was arrested a short time later.
August 25, 1996
Sergeant Karsten J. Winger
Officer Steve J. Anderson
Officer Carl M. Schwartz
Officer John R. Wright
For risking their lives in the attempt to arrest an armed homicide suspect
in an open area on the boulevard near Snelling and Portland. After a
five-hour surrender negotiation, suspect drew his weapon as the CIRT
team approached to apprehend him.
April 28, 1991
Officer Gerald Vick
For his assessment of the situation, evaluation of the threat and appropriate
response when a suspect pulled a handgun and started to raise it toward
him.
December 15, 1999
Officer James S. Griffin
Officer J. John Mercado
Officer Vernon P. Michel
On September10, 1949, these officers voluntarily entered a dark, tear
gas filled two story house to search for a fleeing suspect in the murder
of fellow Saint Paul Police Officer Allen G. Lee and for the robbery
of a local liquor store earlier that day. During the process of searching
the house, the three officers encountered the suspect and employed deadly
force in order to protect their lives and the lives of other officers
involved in the search, resulting in the suspect being fatally wounded.
(Read related story)
October 26, 2000
Officer Brady A. Harrison
On July 23, 2000, Officer Harrison responded to a call. While chasing
a suspicious person on foot, another individual ran towards him with
gun pointed. Officer Harrison assessed the situation and responded
by wounding the suspect, eliminating the threat. He exercised extreme
control in ensuring that innocent bystanders were not injured.
August 30, 2001
Officer Lyle D. Rust
On July 16, 2001, Officer Rust was dispatched to arrest a mentally ill
woman. While attempting to apprehend the suspect, she advanced to the
officer with a homemade razor knife. Instead of using deadly force
in a justified situation, Officer Rust used his Freeze +P. She slashed
her arms and continued to threaten him. Officer Rust was able to subdue
and arrest the suspect in spite of the large amount of blood on both
himself and her.
January 9, 2003
Officer Peter D. Crum
Officer John Linssen
Officer Mark G. Nelson
Officer Jay D. Thompson
Officer Matthew D. Toronto
On September 2, 2002, these officers were sent to a domestic call. A
young man was found in possession of a Samurai sword. The officers persuaded
the suspect to leave the apartment. He left the sword behind. While the
suspect was being handcuffed, he began to struggle with the officers.
The suspect got back in his apartment. He then stabbed Officer Jay Thompson
several times. To save the life of Officer Thompson and intervening to
halt assaults to others, deadly use of force was utilized. Officers began
first aid on the injured officer and suspect.
April 24, 2003
Officer Michael A. Tharalson
On September 27, 2002, you responded to a call dealing with a schizophrenic
male who had not been taking his medications and had been violent in
the past. The family helped you gain entry to the house. After they
had picked up some personal possessions, you escorted them out of the
house. As you and the last family member were leaving, the suspect
came from an upstairs bedroom carrying a BB gun and sickle sword. After
physical contact was made, you were left with no choice but to use
deadly force. You then began first aid on the injured suspect.
March 4, 2004
Officer Ryan J. McAlpine
On February 23, 2004,while off duty, you heard shots being fired. Putting
yourself at great risk, you got into your personal vehicle to attempt
to catch up to the fleeing suspect vehicle, and began to notify dispatch.
The occupants eventually realized you were following them and fired
three shots at you. Even after the vehicle stopped and the four suspects
fled, you continued to chase one of the suspects on foot and assisted
responding officers in the arrest of all four suspects.
September 30, 2004
Officer Charles L. Sims
On January 23, 2004, you aggressively patrolled your area looking for
an aggravated robbery suspect, who during the robbery stabbed a woman.
After locating him, you initiated a traffic stop. You attempted to
contain the suspect who was armed with a large knife. You tried to
keep the suspect in his car and away from nearby citizens, but he advanced
toward you in a threatening manner, forcing you to use deadly force
at a distance of 2 feet. Your actions were that of a brave and courageous
individual in the deadliest of situations.
December 12, 2005
Officer Andrew C. Herouz
On October 10, 2005, you noticed a fire inside the Asian Grocery Store
on East 7th Street. After requesting the fire department, you noticed
the fire had grown and began to engulf the whole building, threatening
the occupants of the apartments above the store. In spite of heavy
smoke, you risked your own safety by entering the building more than
once to alert the occupants. They were still sleeping and were unaware
of the fire was ravaging the building. As the fire progressed, you
were forced to crawl on your hands and knees in an effort to make sure
each resident was brought to safety. In the end, you saved eighteen
residents' lives that evening. You displayed great bravery and heroism
by risking your own life to save the lives of others. This Medal of
Valor is presented in recognition of your courageous and selfless actions.
November 29, 2007
Officer William C. Beaudette
On February 12, 2007, you responded to a call that the Minnesota Gang
Strike Force Officers needed assistance in stopping a fleeing vehicle
driven by a violent gang member. You joined in the pursuit with the
intent to keep traffic back as the chase was during daylight hours
and there were many citizens in the area. As a suspect's vehicle tried
to pass a semi trailer, it crashed. You exited your squad and drew
your weapon along with Officer Armando Abla-Reyes, who led the pursuit.
You shouted for the suspect to show his hands and as he did, you saw
the gun in his hand. Fearing for your lives and others at the scene,
you both fired at the suspect. It was later determined that the suspect
was killed by his own weapon. Your brave actions during this life-threatening
encounter are commended.
November 29, 2007
Officer Armando F. Abla-Reyes
On February 12, 2007, you responded to a call that the Minnesota Gang
Strike Force Officers needed assistance in stopping a fleeing vehicle
driven by a violent gang member. You were the lead vehicle in the pursuit.
The suspect blew out his back window and shot at you. Each time shots
were fired, you were able to maintain focus and alert dispatch. As
the suspect's vehicle tried to pass a semi-trailer, it crashed. You
exited your squad and drew your weapon along with Officer William Beaudette,
who assisted in the pursuit. You shouted for the suspect to show his
hands and as he did, you saw the gun in his hand. Fearing for your
lives and others at the scene, you both fired at the suspect. It was
later determined that the suspect was killed by his own weapon. Your
brave actions during this life-threatening encounter are commended.
March 27, 2008
Officer Cory J. Kochendorfer
On September 18, 2007, you and Officer Jessica Phillips were sent to a
call on York Ave. where three men were threatening the caller's boyfriend.
When you arrived, only the caller, her boyfriend in a small child were
present. While questioning the boyfriend, the caller mouthed to you
that she needed help. She explained that her boyfriend had put a knife
to her throat. The man became very upset and ran to the back yard where
you both tackled him. He had a knife which you ordered him to drop
several times. He did not comply and pleaded for you to kill him. He
then tried to enter the home where the woman and child were now located.
He found the door locked and approached you again with knife in hand.
You both fired at the suspect who later died. Your courageous actions
are recognized by this award.
March 27, 2008
Officer Jessica E. Phillips
On September 18, 2007, you and Officer Cory Kochendorfer were sent to
a call on York Ave. where three men were threatening the caller's boyfriend.
When you arrived, only the caller, her boyfriend in a small child were
present. While questioning the boyfriend, the caller mouthed to you
that she needed help. She explained that her boyfriend had put a knife
to her throat. The man became very upset and ran to the back yard where
you both tackled him. He had a knife which you ordered him to drop
several times. He did not comply and pleaded for you to kill him. He
then tried to enter the home where the woman and child were now located.
He found the door locked and approached you again with knife in hand.
You both fired at the suspect who later died. Your courageous actions
are recognized by this award.
March 27, 2008
Officer Robert L. Edwards and K-9 Rico
On October 10, 2007, you and K-9 Rico assisted in an undercover operation
aimed at apprehending an upper level narcotics trafficker who is considered
a dangerous fugitive. The plan failed when the suspects saw marked
squads. A car chase ensued; the suspect crashed his vehicle, and then
fled on foot with weapon in hand. As the suspect pointed his gun at
you and Rico, you continued the pursuit and ordered him to drop his
weapon. He failed to comply and continued running. You fired your weapon,
and about the same time, Rico apprehended him by his arm and took him
to the ground. With gun drawn, you approach the struggling suspect,
who was being held firmly by Rico, and saw that he was no longer armed
and had been shot by your gunfire. Your and Rico's valiant actions
are recognized by this award.
September 25, 2008
Sergeant Ann M. Bibeau
On July 21, 2008, you were running near 12th Street and Wabasha, as part
of your PT. A vehicle suddenly stopped in a juvenile male ran from
the car as an adult male armed with a baseball bat chased him. The
male hit the youth with the bat several times. He then pushed into
the ground and began to punch him repeatedly in the face. Although
you had no police identification or equipment to assist or protect
you, you approached the adult, identified yourself as an officer, and
ordered him to stop. He did it not comply. You grabbed the bat and
struck the adult's arm in an attempt to stop him. You again advised
that you were an officer in which he responded by threatening to physically
harm you. After a momentary standoff, he fled the scene and was later
found and arrested. This Award recognizes your selfless and heroic
actions.
January 13, 2009
Officer James O. Mann
On July 9, 1971, four armed men robbed a bank on University Avenue. Two
suspects were apprehended when they crashed the vehicle they had commandeered,
while the other two fled on foot. They entered a home on Minnehaha
Avenue and took a grandmother and her 18-month-old granddaughter hostage.
One of the suspects surrendered shortly after, while the other remained
in the home armed with two handguns. You arrived on the scene and spoke
with the suspect from the porch. The suspect continually stated that
if you came inside, he would shoot. You persisted in a calm manner
and eventually were able to go inside the home, unarmed, to further
talk with the suspect. A deal was reached and the child was released
followed by the grandmother. The courage and professionalism you displayed
are recognized by this award.
February 22, 2009
Officer Michael P. Carroll
On March 6, 2008, you and Officer Robert Howell responded to a home burglary
in progress. As you interviewed the victims, you saw a male swinging
a samurai sword, trying to break the window of Officer Howell's squad
car. You both proceeded outside and ordered the suspect to stop damaging
the vehicle. You then noticed that he had a knife in his other hand
and ordered him to drop both weapons. He did not comply and moved towards
Officer Howell. Fearing for his life and those around him, Officer
Howell shot the suspect. He was wounded, but was able to stand and
chose to move towards Officer Howell again. You both ordered him to
stop and again he refused. You then shot the suspect to shield both
of you from harm. He did recover from his wounds. This Award is presented
in recognition of your courageous actions.
February 22, 2009
Officer Robert R. Howell
On March 6, 2008, you and Officer Michael Carroll responded to a home
burglary in progress. As you interviewed the victims, Officer Carroll
saw a male outside swinging a samurai sword, trying to break the window
of your squad car. You both proceeded outside and ordered the suspect
to stop damaging the vehicle. You then noticed that he had a knife
in his other hand and ordered him to drop both weapons. He did not
comply and moved towards you. Fearing for your life and those around
you, you shot the suspect. He was wounded, but was able to stand and
chose to move towards you again. You both ordered him to stop and again
he refused. Officer Carroll then shot the suspect to shield both of
you from harm. The suspect did recover from his wounds. This Award
is presented in recognition of your courageous actions.
May 13, 2009
Sergeant Gerald D. Vick
On May 6, 2005, Sergeants Gerald Vick and Joseph Strong were working
undercover at Erick's Bar on East Seventh Street. They had a verbal
confrontation with two males outside the bar. Both Sergeants left in
their separate vehicles after the encounter to return to headquarters
to complete their shifts. One of the individuals approached Sergeant
Strong's vehicle as it was stopped at a red light near the bar. Sergeant
Strong called upon Sergeant Vick for assistance. Both got out of their
vehicles and pursued the individuals down an alley across the street
from the bar. As Sergeant Vick approached one of the males, he was
shot and his wounds were fatal. Sergeant Gerald Vick gave the ultimate
sacrifice that police officers can give in service to the citizens
of St. Paul.
June 25, 2009
Officer Adam L. Bailey
On April 6, 2009, you and Officer Heather Kuchinka, along with several
other officers, responded to a man with a gun call on the East Side
of Saint Paul. When you arrived, Officer Patrick Murphy had the suspect
lying prone in an alley at gunpoint. As attempts were made to secure
the suspect, he repeatedly tried to stand and ignored orders to lie
down on the ground. K-9 Boomer was released, but the dog bites appeared
to have no effect on the suspect. The man then retrieved a weapon from
behind a light pole and ignored repeated orders to drop the gun. He
pointed in your direction and also at Officer Murphy and Boomer. Fearing
for your own safety, and the other officers' safety, you and Officers
Brian Casey and Douglas Wilson, shot the suspect. He did succumb to
his wounds. This Award recognizes your courageous actions.
June 25, 2009
Officer Brian E. Casey
On April 6, 2009, you and Officer Douglas Wilson, along with several
other officers, responded to a man with a gun call on the East Side
of Saint Paul. When you arrived, Officer Patrick Murphy had the suspect
lying prone in an alley at gunpoint. As attempts were made to secure
the suspect, he repeatedly tried to stand and ignored orders to lie
down on the ground. K-9 Boomer was released, but the dog bites appeared
to have no effect on the suspect. The man then retrieved a weapon from
behind a light pole and ignored repeated orders to drop the gun. He
pointed at Officer Adam Bailey and at Officer Murphy and Boomer. Fearing
for your own safety, and the other officers' safety, you and Officers
Bailey and Wilson shot the suspect. He did succumb to his wounds. This
Award recognizes your courageous actions.
June 25, 2009
Officer Heather M. Kuchinka
On April 6, 2009, you and Officer Adam Bailey, along with several other
officers, responded to a man with a gun call on the East Side of Saint
Paul. When you arrived, Officer Patrick Murphy had the suspect lying
prone in an alley at gunpoint. As attempts were made to secure the
suspect, he repeatedly tried to stand and ignored orders to lie down
on the ground. K-9 Boomer was released, but the dog bites appeared
to have no effect on the suspect. The man then retrieved a weapon from
behind a light pole and ignored repeated orders to drop the gun. He
pointed at Officer Bailey and at Officer Murphy and Boomer. Officers
shot at the suspect; however, you displayed great discipline and did
not engage your weapon when other officers came into your line of fire.
He did succumb to his wounds. This Award recognizes your courageous
actions.
June 25, 2009
Officer Patrick J. Murphy and K-9 Boomer
On April 6, 2009, you and K-9 Boomer, were the first to respond to a
man with a gun call in an alley on the East Side of Saint Paul. At
gunpoint, you ordered the suspect to show his hands and lie on the
ground. He did comply and was face down in the alley when the other
officers arrived to assist. Attempts were made to secure him; however,
he repeatedly tried to stand. He released Boomer, but the dog bites
appeared to have no effect on him. As you approached the suspect, he
shot at your faithful partner with a gun he had retrieved from behind
a light pole. He then pointed his weapon directly at you. Fearing for
your safety and their own lives, the other officers at the scene shot
the suspect before you could fire your own weapon. Boomer did recover
from his injuries. Your and Boomer's valiant actions are recognized
by this Award.
June 25, 2009
Officer Douglas R. Wilson
On April 6, 2009, you and Officer Brian Casey, along with several other
officers, responded to a man with a gun call on the East Side of Saint
Paul. When you arrived, Officer Patrick Murphy had the suspect lying
prone in an alley at gunpoint. As attempts were made to secure the
suspect, he repeatedly tried to stand and ignored orders to lie down
on the ground. K-9 Boomer was released, but the dog bites appeared
to have no effect on the suspect. The man then retrieved a weapon from
behind a light pole and ignored repeated orders to drop the gun. He
pointed at Officer Adam Bailey and at Officer Murphy and Boomer. Fearing
for your own safety, and the other officers' safety, you and Officers
Bailey and Casey shot the suspect. He did succumb to his wounds. This
Award recognizes your courageous actions.
September 23, 2010
Officer Adam L. Bailey
On December 8, 2009, you and Officers Stephen Bobrowski and Thomas Weinzettel assisted in a search for suspects from a homicide earlier that day. Information was provided to you that a suspect had crawled out an apartment complex's window. You were able to corner the suspect near the complex. He had one hand inside his jacket, as if to conceal something. He failed to comply with orders to show his hands, so Officer Bobrowski used his Taser which caused the man to fall to his stomach with his hands underneath him. As you struggled with him to pull his hands out from under his body, a gunshot went off and you were shot in the calf. Fearing for your lives, you and the other officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Stephen R. Bobrowski
On December 8, 2009, you and Officers Adam Bailey and Thomas Weinzettel assisted in a search for suspects from a homicide earlier that day. Information was provided to you that a suspect had crawled out an apartment complex's window. You were able to corner the suspect near the complex. He had one hand inside his jacket, as if to conceal something. He failed to comply with orders to show his hands, so you used your Taser which caused the man to fall to his stomach with his hands underneath him. As you struggled with him to pull his hands out from under his body, a gunshot went off and Officer Bailey was shot in the calf. Fearing for your lives, you and the other officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Jermaine R. Davis
On August 31, 2010, you and Officers Jason Giampolo, Todd Ludvik, and Justin Tiffany were working the State Fair traffic detail when you heard a loud bang and crackling noise. A semi-truck struck a high voltage electrical pole and live wires had fallen to the sidewalk and street. You noticed the lines had fallen on a family of four and also a male who was on the ground. Without any hesitation or concern for your own safety, you and the other officers immediate1y began working as a team. You ran under live, sparking wires to assist the family. You tried to keep the family calm as they witnessed a wire lying on the father's shoulder. You also moved other citizens, who were in possible harm's way from an unstable electrical pole, to a safer location. Your selfless actions and teamwork are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Jason A. Giampolo
On August 31, 2010, you and Officers Jermaine Davis, Todd Ludvik, and Justin Tiffany were working the State Fair traffic detail when you heard a loud bang and crackling noise. A semi-truck struck a high voltage electrical pole and live wires had fallen to the sidewalk and street. You noticed the lines had fallen on a family of four and also a male who was on the ground. Without any hesitation or concern for your own safety, you and the other officers immediate1y began working as a team. You remained with the male who had a live wire on his leg and was shaking. You intuitively used a chair to knock the line off of his leg and then put your shirt under his head to prevent further injury from his uncontrollable shaking. Your selfless actions and teamwork are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Todd A. Ludvik
On August 31, 2010, you and Officers Jermaine Davis, Jason Giampolo, and Justin Tiffany were working the State Fair traffic detail when you heard a loud bang and crackling noise. A semi-truck struck a high voltage electrical pole and live wires had fallen to the sidewalk and street. You noticed the lines had fallen on a family of four and also a male who was on the ground. Without any hesitation or concern for your own safety, you and the other officers immediate1y began working as a team. You ran under live, sparking wires to assist the family. You ran under live, sparking wires to assist the family. You tried to keep the family calm as they witnessed a live wire lying on the father's shoulder. You remained with them until medics arrived to assess the father's injuries. Your selfless actions and teamwork are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Justin J. Tiffany
On August 31, 2010, you and Officers Jermaine Davis, Jason Giampolo, and Todd Ludvik were working the State Fair traffic detail when you heard a loud bang and crackling noise. A semi-truck struck a high voltage electrical pole and live wires had fallen to the sidewalk and street. You noticed the lines had fallen on a family of four and also a male who was on the ground. Without any hesitation or concern for your own safety, you and the other officers immediate1y began working as a team. You ran under live, sparking wires to assist the father of the family who was slumped over a snow fence with a live wire on his shoulder. You also yelled to others in the area to remain away from all wire a you were unsure if more would fall to the ground. Your selfless actions and teamwork are recognized by this Award.
September 23, 2010
Officer Thomas M. Weinzettel
On December 8, 2009, you and Officers Adam Bailey and Stephen Bobrowski assisted in a search for suspects from a homicide earlier that day. Information was provided to you that a suspect had crawled out an apartment complex's window. You were able to corner the suspect near the complex. He had one hand inside his jacket, as if to conceal something. He failed to comply with orders to show his hands, so Officer Bobrowski used his Taser which caused the man to fall to his stomach with his hands underneath him. As you struggled with him to pull his hands out from under his body, a gunshot went off and Officer Bailey was shot in the calf. Fearing for your lives, you and other officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this award.
October 28, 2010
Officer David J. Longbehn
On May 1, 2010, Maplewood Police Sergeant Joseph Bergeron was killed in the line of duty. You and your K9 partner Kody were assigned to secure the area while other officers searched for two suspects. Leaving Kody in the squad, you asked a man that was walking in your area for identification. When he could not provide you with any, you began a pat down. Suddenly and without any warning the man turned and struck you in the face with a heavy object. He pushed you to the ground and tried to grab your gun as he shouted that you would be killed. This fight for your life was terrifying as you struggled to hold onto your weapon which was covered in blood and sweat. You were finally able to fire your weapon, killing the suspect. Your courage and valiant actions are recognized by this Award.
March 24, 2011
Officer Colby D. Bragg
On July 19, 2010, you and Officers Arnulfo Curiel, Joshua Raichert, Justin Rangel, and Mark Ross responded to a possible suicide in progress at a motel. You removed guests from the nearby room to ensure their safety, and knocked on the door of the individual's room. He refused to come out, stated he had a knife and that you would need to kill him. You took positions covering the door and each other with your weapons drawn and waited to begin negotiations with him. Suddenly, the male opened the door with knives in each hand. He ignored commands to stop and drop the knives. You and Officers Curiel, Raichert and Rangel fired your weapons. The distraught male did succumb to his wounds. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this award.
March 24, 2011
Officer Arnulfo Curiel
On July 19, 2010, you and Officers Colby Bragg, Joshua Raichert, Justin Rangel and Mark
Ross responded to a possible suicide in progress at a motel. You removed guests from the nearby rooms to ensure their safety, and knocked on the door of the individual's room. He refused to come out, stated he had a knife and that you would need to kill him. You took positions covering the door and each other with your weapons drawn and waited to begin negotiations with him. Suddenly, the male opened the door with knives in each hand. He ignored commands to stop and drop the knives. You and Officers Bragg, Raichert and Rangel fired your weapons. The distraught male did succumb to his wounds. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this award.
March 24, 2011
Officer Joshua E. Raichert
On July 19, 2010, you and Officers Colby Bragg, Arnulfo Curiel, Justin Rangel, and Mark Ross responded to a possible suicide in progress at a motel. You removed guests from the nearby rooms to ensure their safety, and knocked on the door of the individual's room. He refused to come out, stated he had a knife and that you would need to kill him. You took positions covering the door and each other with your weapons drawn and waited to begin negotiations with him. Suddenly, the male opened the door with knives in each hand. He ignored commands to stop and drop the knives. You and Officers Bragg, Curiel and Rangel fired your weapons. The distraught male did succumb to his wounds. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this Award.
March 24, 2011
Officer Justin L. Rangel
On July 19, 2010, you and Officers Colby Bragg, Arnulfo Curiel, Joshua Raichert, and Mark Ross responded to a possible suicide in progress at a motel. You removed guests from the nearby rooms to ensure their safety, and knocked on the door of the individual's room. He refused to come out, stated he had a knife and that you would need to kill him. You took positions covering the door and each other with your weapons drawn and waited to begin negotiations with him. Suddenly, the male opened the door with knives in each hand. He ignored commands to stop and drop the knives. You and Officers Bragg, Curiel and Raichert: fired your weapons. The distraught male did succumb to his wounds. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this Award.
March 24, 2011
Officer Mark R. Ross
On July 19, 2010, you and Officers Colby Bragg, Arnulfo Curiel, Joshua Raichert, and Justin Rangel responded to a possible suicide in progress at a motel. You removed guests from the nearby rooms to ensure their safety, and knocked on the door of the individual's room. He refused to come out, stated he had a knife and that you would need to kill him. You took positions covering the door and each other with your weapons drawn and waited to begin negotiations with him. Suddenly, the male opened the door with knives in each hand. He ignored commands to stop and drop the knives. The other officers fired their weapons, while you displayed great discipline and held fire when officers came into your line of fire. Your courageous actions during this intense situation are recognized by this Award.
March 28, 2013
Officer Daniel K. King
On October 23, 2012, you and Officer Brian Wanschura were on patrol and noticed an individual walking down the street with a long barreled gun strapped to his back. As your squad approached, the man grabbed at his weapon as if he were going to engage in gunfire. The suspect fled into some trees near a school parking lot and as you followed him in the squad, he began to shoot. You were shot in the forearm and severe injured. The suspect continued to shoot at you; however Officer Wanschura rolled from the squad and remained in contro1 as he effectively delivered rounds at the suspect until the threat ended. You were amazingly brave and applied a tourniquet to your severely shattered arm while waiting for medics to arrive. Your courageous actions during this intense and chaotic situation are recognized by this Award.
March 28, 2013
Officer Brian M. Wanschura
On October 23, 2012, you and Officer Daniel King were on patrol and noticed an individual walking down the street with a long barreled gun trapped to his back. As your squad approached, the man grabbed at his weapon if he were going to engage in gunfire. The suspect fled into some trees near a school parking lot and as Officer King drove the squad closer, he began to shoot hitting Officer King in the arm, severely injuring him. You rolled from the squad and began shooting at the suspect, who continued to shoot at the squad where Officer King was located. You remained in control and effectively delivered rounds at the suspect until the threat ended. You truly answered the call to protect and serve, not only to the citizens of Saint Paul, but to your fellow officer, Daniel King. Your valiant actions are recognized by this Award.