Law Enforcement Heroes

Heroic Stories

  • In Johnson County (KS), Deputy Anthony Bussell pulled a driver over for speeding. However, when he realized the driver was distressed and dealing with some personal challenges, he went into compassion mode. He helped the driver through a hard time, offering him a listening ear. The traffic stop ended in an unusual way—with a hug. https://www.msn.com/en-us/movies/news/officer-hugs-distressed-driver-helping-him-through-hard-time-i-gave-a-listening-ear/vi-AA1goD7K?ocid=socialshare

  • In Washington, DC, former professional basketball player, Michael Smith, will soon become the City’s oldest rookie cop ever at the age of 61. He is scheduled to graduate from the police academy in April. Although the Metropolitan Police Department’s mandatory age of retirement is 65, Michael will still have four years to fulfill his top bucket-list desire. He said he wanted to be a police officer growing up in New York City, where his father was a police sergeant. But his basketball talent took him in a different direction. He went overseas and played and coached basketball for 25 years. “Now, it’s time to come back and fulfill my all-time dream, and that’s being in law enforcement.” ‘Age has nothing to do with it': Former professional basketball player to become DC's oldest police rookie (msn.com)

  • In Grand Traverse County (MI), quick-thinking Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Officer Kammeron Bennetts and hero dog, Ruby, saved a stranded man who had fallen through the ice on a frozen lake. The rescue occurred on 1-18-24 when a 65-year-old man fell through the ice around 11:45 am. Witnesses saw what happened and called 9-1-1. Officer Bennetts responded, but could not get close to the man because the ice was too thin. He enlisted the aid of the stranded man’s dog, Ruby, who was able to carry a rescue disc and rope out to his owner. Officer Bennetts then pulled the man to safety. MI senior saved by his dog, quick-thinking cop after falling into frozen lake | Fox News

  • In Los Angeles (CA), Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Luis Cisneros walked into a 7-Eleven on January 15 to perform a routine safety check. But moments before he entered four robbers had stormed the counter, put a gun to the head of the store clerk and demanded that the clerk open the cash register. When Deputy Cisneros walked in and saw what was happening he immediately pulled his firearm and arrested the four robbers with the help of backup. https://www.policemag.com/patrol/news/15662189/california-deputy-walks-into-7eleven-foils-robbery?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240120_1683:6358d7677813480d57455dc6:rm202401201600_NL-POL-TopStories&omid=1161639560&cid=6509648f88a5a8b32b0ce09d

  • In Midland (MI), Police Officer Steven Pomranky heroically rescued three elderly people from a burning car on 11-29-23. Officer Pomranky received a call about a burning vehicle on the roadway and immediately responded. When he arrived on the scene one of the passengers told him that three elderly individuals were still in the vehicle. The 23-year veteran officer grabbed a fire extinguisher from his patrol car, got the fire briefly under control and removed the three occupants from the car just before it was engulfed in flames. Officer Pomranky was assisted by two citizens who stopped to assist—David Bleck and Carrie Hall. A colleague described Officer Pomranky’s actions as “nothing short of heroic” and “I don’t use that word lightly.” https://www.ourmidland.com/news/police_and_courts/article/midland-police-steven-pomranky-passerby-rescue-18524886.php

  • In Hatboro (PA), two police officers saved a 97-year-old man from a burning home early on Thanksgiving morning. When they arrived on the scene of the fire at 3:30 am, Hatboro Police Sgt. Aaron Simon and Officer Robert McMahon saw flames coming out of an upstairs bedroom. Seeing cars in the driveway, they figured there must be people inside the home. They entered the home, barely able to see more than a foot in front of them due to the heavy smoke, and yelled out for any occupants. The 97-year-old homeowner heard the officers and cried out for help. After several attempts to pull the man to safety, they finally got him out. “Knowing that he gets to spend another Thanksgiving with his family . . . it was very nice to know that this gentleman is alive today,” Simon said. Officers rescue 97-year-old man from burning home (live5news.com)

  • In Houston (TX), a Good Samaritan (and former inmate) pulled a wounded police officer to safety after the officer was shot by a carjacker. Police had been chasing a carjacker on a Houston highway when the suspect’s vehicle crashed into others. A shootout between police and the carjacker erupted. That’s when Officer John Gibson was shot and seriously injured. John Lally, a motorist caught in the chaos, pulled Officer Gibson to safety as the shootout continued and comforted the wounded officer until rescue personnel arrived. Lally can be heard on a video telling Officer Gibson, “I’m still here with you buddy, you hear me? I’ve been to jail a million times, man, and I love cops, too, bro.” https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/11/16/former-inmate-saves-houston-officer-shootout/71613085007/

  • In Lewiston (ME), police officers displayed tremendous courage and professionalism on Oct. 25 in responding to an active shooter call that resulted in 18 people fatally shot and 13 more wounded at two locations in Lewiston. Police Chief David St. Pierre had great praise for his officers, saying, “I commend my officers, all of them . . . Our officers couldn’t get there fast enough. And they made entry right away . . . They ran to the gunfire where most people were running away.” https://www.sunjournal.com/2023/11/10/lewiston-police-chief-im-very-proud-of-our-police-officers-they-ran-to-the-gunfire/

  • In Montgomery County (MD), Sgt. Patrick Kepp, 36, put himself at great personal risk in an effort to stop a reckless driver who was traveling over 110 mph and posing a grave danger to other motorists. He was deploying stop sticks to slow down the vehicle when the driver changed lanes and intentionally struck Sgt. Kepp, who suffered serious injuries and had both of his legs amputated. The driver was known to police and had a reputation for trying to “bait officers into chasing him.” Sgt. Kepp had arrested the same driver earlier in the year for driving 136 mph in a 55 mph zone. Maryland officer loses legs after teen driver ‘intentionally' hits him on I-270: police (msn.com)

  • In Rochester (NY), 57-year-old retired police sergeant, Brett Sobieraski, ran the equivalent of 50 marathons in 50 days to pay tribute to a fallen colleague and to raise money for the surviving family. Anthony “Tony” Mazurkiewicz, 54, was shot and killed in an ambush attack on 7-21-22. His survivors include a wife and four children. Sgt. Sobieraski served with Officer Mazurkiewicz and the ultra-marathoner decided running 50 marathons in 50 days—a total of 1,310 miles—through eight states would be a special way to honor Tony’s memory and help the family both financially and emotionally. When he finished the final marathon on 6-11-23 in Rochester, he had raised $105,000! https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/retired-police-officer-runs-50-marathons-50-days-raise-money-rcna95295

  • In North Myrtle Beach (SC), Police Officer Kayla Wallace heroically rescued a distressed woman during a traffic stop. When a vehicle ran a red light, Officer Wallace pulled the car over. When her male passenger was not looking, the female driver mouthed the words, “help me” repeatedly. It turns out that the male passenger had just shot someone outside a sports bar and forced the woman to drive him away. Officer Wallace arrested the shooter and saved the woman. South Carolina police officer saves woman who mouthed 'help me' during traffic stop | CNN

  • In Washington, DC, President Biden presented six law enforcement officers with the Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest honor for bravery by a public safety officer. https://apnews.com/article/biden-medal-fdny-nypd-cop-police-53f4595340d82b474f423de48adcf62c

  • In Charleston (SC), Police Chief Luther Reynolds remained a highly respected and effective head of his department during his almost-2-year-long struggle with a rare form of cancer. He stepped down this week, acknowledging that his cancer battle is nearing an end. He is an inspiration to many. When the National Law Enforcement Museum was dedicated in 2018, a quote from Chief Reynolds was highlighted in an exhibition on community policing. He said, “There is no department in this country that doesn’t have the room to get better.” He lived those words and it is part of the legacy he will leave behind. https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-luther-reynolds-admirable-final-act-of-service-to-charleston/article_cac7d0f6-f584-11ed-9164-034e61dd71b9.html

  • In Utah, Highway Patrol Sgt. Chad McCoy had just completed his shift on 4-18-23 and was on his way home in his patrol car when he saw a wrong-way driver traveling on the interstate highway. Recognizing the danger posed to other innocent motorists, his training and instincts kicked in and he crashed his patrol car into the wrong-way pickup truck. His patrol car was demolished, but miraculously Sgt. McCoy was uninjured and the driver of the pickup truck suffered only minor injuries. The story and dashcam footage of his heroics can be found here. https://policetribune.com/video-heroic-state-trooper-uses-cruiser-to-stop-wrong-way-driver-on-interstate/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=video-heroic-state-trooper-uses-cruiser-to-stop-wrong-way-driver-on-interstate

  • In Louisville (KY), a gunman shot and killed five innocent people at a bank and waited to ambush responding police. Officers Nickolas Wilt and Cory Galloway were the first to arrive on the scene and rushed toward the danger. Officer Wilt was shot and critically injured and Officer Galloway shot and killed the gunman. They willingly and courageously put their lives in peril for the safety of others--and we owe them a huge debt of thanks. Their incredible heroism was captured on their body-worn cameras. https://www.cnn.com/.../louisville-kentucky.../index.html #behindbadge #police #lawenforcement #heroes

  • In Nashville (TN), the best of law enforcement was on display 3-27-23! A mass murderer was taken down swiftly and efficiently by a courageous group of Nashville police officers. Six innocent lives were lost during the school shooting, including three young children. But many more lives were saved thanks to the heroic actions of America's Finest. The video here shows it all! https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/03/28/nashville-police-response-uvalde/?fbclid=IwAR2qK83LCYRw7Na8GDBr3BO9Se1sJ5d2ghVxX2AIc1WEx_eW1tfUpR8iO_o

  • In New York City, a 69-year-old good Samaritan tackled a criminal suspect who was being chased down a Manhattan sidewalk. The good Samaritan, Edmund Wehring, said he did not know what the fleeing suspect had done, but he knew he must have done something bad since he was being chased by several police officers. It turns out that the convicted felon had possession of two firearms, including a rifle, which he brandished to frighten a group of people, including a child. The entire incident was captured on video. Wild video: Good Samaritan tackles man who terrified New Yorkers with 2 guns (nypost.com)

  • In Washington, DC, a legendary law enforcement leader, Maurice J. “Cully” Cullinane, died at the age of 90 on March 2. He joined the DC Metropolitan Police Department and served as its chief from 1974-1978. His steady leadership helped the city rebuild after the 1968 riots that followed Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. As a lieutenant during those riots, he ordered officers not to open fire or otherwise brutally confront the rioters. As chief of police, he was ahead of his time in implementing community-based policing and hiring more minorities so the police force would be more reflective of the community they served. Perhaps his greatest single accomplishment was personally negotiating the safe release of 124 hostages in 1977 after they were taken by a group of terrorists. https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/03/02/maurice-cullinane-dc-police-chief-dead/

  • In Senoia (GA), Officer Alexis Callaway saved a one-month-old baby’s life. When a family called 9-1-1 to report a baby choking, Officer Callaway rushed to the home and quickly and calmly took charge of the emergency situation. In dramatic body camera footage, Officer Callaway takes the choking baby and starts life-saving first aid. “It’s rewarding,” the heroic officer said. “I think he was one month old, now gets the rest of his life.” https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/senoia-officer-saves-choking-baby-cpr-body-camera

  • In Montgomery County (MD), a police officer named Doug Haggerty was such a good and caring person that, at his funeral, his police chief, Marcus Jones, called him a “beautiful soul” and declared, “I want to make sure that I live like Doug.” People spat in his face and called him “racist” because of the uniform he wore. But he rose above it all and refused to let the job’s difficulties change him. He mentored youths he caught breaking into homes. He showed compassion when an arrest might have been warranted. He was openhearted, trusting and optimistic. His heart finally gave out after all of the giving, but he will forever be remembered as a hero. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/01/08/doug-haggerty-montgomery-county-police-hero/

  • In Maryland, two state troopers, TFC Matthew Hughes and TFC Samuel Rogers, raised nearly $5,000 to purchase Christmas gifts for three children, ages 17, 13 and 6, whose parents were tragically killed in an auto crash in November. The parents, Jessica and Nicholas Zeimer, were planning to celebrate their wedding anniversary when another vehicle crashed into them. The two state troopers knew this was going to be a very difficult first Christmas without their parents and wanted to give the children the best Christmas possible under the tragic circumstances. This is what our law enforcement professionals do when nobody is looking! https://www.facebook.com/100064248896695/posts/pfbid0RJ78pLk6xGdjYmhRyrhW7RSPtCChhmJdedywCbDBLHnKcZgfLC9wtMu6GsvLx1bpl/?mibextid=cr9u03

  • In Jamestown (NY), Police Officer Mark Conklin heroically saved the lives of a family trapped in a burning house. https://m.facebook.com/jamestownpolicedepartment/videos/protect-and-serve-fox-nation/285779209848302/

  • A citizen hero in Springfield (MA) is being credited with saving the lives of two police officers. When good Samaritan, Pedro Perez, spotted a Springfield police officer struggling with an armed robbery suspect, he jumped out of his vehicle and immediately offered assistance. During the struggle, the suspect was still able to fire off two shots that narrowly missed Mr. Perez and the two officers on the scene. Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stated, “ . . . . If Mr. Perez wasn’t there to assist, I have no doubts that this violent criminal suspect would have taken the lives of our officers and anyone else that was in his way.” Good Samaritan Saves the Lives of Two Police Officers; Suspect Disarmed Officer Firing Two Rounds Narrowly Missing Two Officers and a Civilian - Springfield Police Department (springfieldmapolice.com)

  • A citizen hero in Nashville (TN) is being honored for saving the lives of police officers and others. Michael Kuhn, the bouncer at a Nashville bar saw a man pull a gun on police officers working to break up a fight. Mr. Kuhn jumped out a window and knocked the gun out of the man's hand. https://newschannel9.com/metro-police-chief-surprises-commends-nashville-bouncer-who-stopped-man-with-gun

  • In Prince George’s County (MD), police officers and teen Law Enforcement Explorers recently participated in their 34th annual “Christmas in April.” Every spring, the police get a list of homes which could use some help, and officers from all eight patrol divisions typically spend several days removing junk, sprucing up yards and cluttered homes and, importantly, leaving a trail of good will behind. Prince George’s police, others fix up houses for ‘Christmas in April’ (msn.com)

  • On April 2, 2022, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper calmly dodged bullets and radioed in events during the high speed pursuit of an armed robbery suspect. This was truly an amazing display of professionalism and courage during one of law enforcement’s many life-threatening moments. See the video footage documenting the incident. WATCH: Officer calmly dodges bullets while pursuing suspect in high-speed chase | Washington Examiner

  • On March 6, 2022, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Toni Schuck risked her life by directing her patrol vehicle into the path of a drunken driver who was headed toward a bridge where thousands of walkers and runners were participating in a 10K race for charity. “For this trooper to risk her life to make sure that others would be okay is the epitome of what service is all about,” said a fellow trooper. Trooper Schuck suffered serious injuries in the crash, but is now recovering at home. The drunk driver also survived the nearly head-on collision and is in jail. Hero trooper uses vehicle to stop drunk driver from plowing into 10K race (lawenforcementtoday.com)

  • Nine Phoenix (AZ) police officers were shot and injured on 2-11-22 responding to a call saying that a woman had been shot. When the first officer arrived on the scene, the suspect invited the officer into the home before shooting him in an ambush attack. https://www.lawenforcementtoday.com/phoenix-police-released-body-camera-footage-showing-officer-being-shot/

  • Two Charles County (MD) Sheriff’s officers, Patrolman First Class Andrew Fenlon and Officer Bradley Harris, are returning to work nine months after being shot and critically injured responding to a mental health call. The mother of Officer Harris said she had misgivings about her son returning to the job that nearly cost him his life, “But he was called to do it,” she said. “He has a giving spirit. He has a protective spirit and to not share that with the world would really be selfish.” 2 Charles County officers return to work, 9 months after being shot (fox5dc.com)

  • Cpl. Annette Goodyear, of the North East (MD) Police Department, saved the life of a young child who was nearly struck by a speeding motorist. In a video that has gone viral, Cpl. Goodyear is shown pushing the child to safety as the 14-year police veteran takes a hit from the oncoming vehicle. “No matter what happens, you got to protect that child and make sure that child is safe,” Cpl. Goodyear said afterwards. “That was the only thing that was going through my mind. If I have to take the brunt of it, that’s what’s going to happen.” Crossing guard was hit by a car as she shoved a student out of the way: ‘You got to protect that child.’ - The Washington Post

  • Jan. 13, 2022, is the 40th anniversary of the Air Florida Flight 90 crash into the Potomac River. 78 people died that day, but five survived thanks to the daring rescue by the U.S. Park Police. Eagle 1, a U.S. Park Police helicopter, piloted by Donald W. Usher and paramedic Melvin E. Windsor, rushed to the scene of the crash and heroically plucked five of the survivors in the crash out of the icy Potomac River. Today, Eagle 1 is proudly on display at the National Law Enforcement Museum, along with an awe-inspiring video of the actual rescue 40 years ago. If you have not visited the National Law Enforcement Museum, please do.

  • So many acts of compassion, courage and heroism by law enforcement go unnoticed. Thankfully, when an airplane crash landed on train tracks in Los Angeles on 1-7-22 the heroism of our police officers was on full display thanks to their body-worn cameras. Check out the video of how these officers put their lives on the line so they could save a person in dire need! https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/10/us/california-pilot-rescued-train-crash/index.html?fbclid=IwAR3m3cN7bux-NSCowtneKleyxam5Kv_i6d5mcEChcIsvVvwDyH5uu4y2k0k

  • Dana Lawhorne retired at the end of 2021 after serving as Sheriff of Alexandria, Virginia for 16 years. Sometimes heroism is simply defined as outstanding law enforcement service and leadership over a long and distinguished career. Or, as Dana said of his career, “I always wanted to make people feel like there was some hope in what I could do for them.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/03/dana-lawhorne-alexandria-retires/

  • Mike Mason was one of the FBI’s top officials. Now, in retirement, he is driving a school bus in Virginia. He explained, “I felt like I can be doing something to help in this post-pandemic recovery.” Just another great example of the heart that drives our law enforcement professionals. https://www.wtvr.com/building-better-minds/michael-mason-retired-fbi-agent-driving-school-bus

  • When a terrifying recording warned that a motor home parked in downtown Nashville would explode in 15 minutes, six police officers sprang into action risking their own lives and saving many others.  These six Nashville police officers evacuated residents moments before motor home exploded - CNN

  • In Baltimore, there have been more than 700 shootings in 2020.  Usually it is the police who respond first and are the reason many victims survive.  In Baltimore, someone shoots, someone falls, and the cops get there first. | COMMENTARY - Baltimore Sun

  • What's in the heart of our police officers? How about this Miami police officer who forgave and is now a mentor for a high school student who beat him over the head with a skateboard during a protest. That's who our law enforcement professionals are when nobody is looking!  MIAMIHERALD.COM An unlikely bond: Miami cop becomes mentor to teen who attacked him during BLM protest

  • Police to the rescue--again! A disabled man was pulled to safety by Los Angeles police officers seconds before the man's vehicle burst into flames. The man's wheelchair was destroyed in the fire, but no problem--a police officer paid for a new one! All in a day's work!  ABC7.COM LAPD officers in Pacoima rescue disabled man moments before car bursts into flames - Video

  • Wow! A powerful statement from a retiring NYPD officer about what it's like to be a law enforcement professional! Thank you to him and all of our guardians for your service and sacrifice!  

    Today is officially my husband’s last day as an NYPD officer. It’s a bittersweet day of relief, a day of sadness and a day of celebration. He has dedicated his entire life to his career. He has seen the best and the worst in humanity. It has helped define and shape the incredible man he is. It is all I have known him as and it’s actually how we met. He is an amazing dedicated husband, father and kind human. He is truly a man of great integrity and incredible love for his city.

    To all of the officers risking and dedicating your lives every day you deserve so much more than you are currently getting. As we move on to the next chapter in our lives I continue to pray for those still on the job to get home safe to your loved ones each day. My husband is a true New Yorker, a 9/11 hero, and my hero. 

    As our friend Joe said it best “Phil I can't thank you enough. And the world will never be able to thank you enough. You will never EVER get the thanks you deserve”

    He is not on social media so here is a little something my husband wrote for you all:

    “I've been a proud member of the New York City Police Department for 22 years. To try and sum up my career in a few paragraphs seems impossible, but there are some things you all should know, not just about me, but what it means to be a Police Officer. The rollercoaster of emotions and experiences that we face as cops is truly incomparable. Many believe all we do is arrest people, but we as police officers do so much more. I've run into burning buildings though I'm not a firefighter. I helped deliver a baby though I am not a doctor. I held the hand of an old woman and prayed with her as she died though I am not a priest. I've shared the joy and relief of parents when returning their missing child and felt the true helplessness of performing CPR on a child that could not be saved. 

    Those of us who worked through 9/11 will never forget the pride we felt as we rode down the West Side to cheering New Yorkers that lined up to support us. Those of us who are still working now will never forget the demoralising Anti-Police protests with New Yorkers that now seem lined up against us. People who didn't know I was a Police Officer would ask me if I loved it or why after all these years I'm still on patrol. My answer was always the same. Because I like helping people, I love the idea that people can dial 911 and I come to help. Now with the new laws, we the police, not only have to worry about getting home safely but being charged with a crime for doing our job. 

    Some math I worked out with my partner tells me that based on an average number of 911 calls and how long I've been on patrol, I've answered that call upward of 85,000 times. Give or take. 85,000 times I answered my radio 85,000 times I answered 911 calls for someone who needed help. 85,000 times I went to help and never really knowing for sure what I would find till we got there. Domestic violence calls, child abuse, suicides, robberies and stabbings. 

    I probably would have stayed longer if things were different but there's too much at stake, and I'm fortunate enough that I've stayed past my 20 and can leave. So sadly it's time to go. Recently at a protest some young people yelled in my face that I should be ashamed of myself and I didn't respond. I can't help but wonder now if they'll ever do anything 85,000 times? I walk away knowing that I've touched a lot of lives, more than most, and in a positive way. My story is not unique. This is what real cops do. It's who we are and I have had the privilege of working with best there is right up to the end. So ashamed? No. Proud, still very very proud.” 

  • Another life saved by a courageous law enforcement professional! https://www.kcra.com/.../man-rescued-by-lodi.../33586209# KCRA.COM

    VIDEO: Man rescued by Lodi police officer after wheelchair gets stuck on train tracks

  • A noise complaint turns into a chance for a police officer to bond with the children in his community—with a little help from Shaquille O’Neal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYbW5Q91hyA

  • Surveillance Video Shows ‘Nothing Short Of Heroic’ Actions Of Off-Duty NYPD Officer Maharaj, Who Intervened In Fatal Queens Shooting https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/10/27/police-commissioner-dermot-shea-hails-heroic-actions-of-off-duty-nypd-officer-maharaj-who-intervened-in-fatal-queens-shooting/ 

  • Instead of arresting two women for shoplifting food they couldn't afford, this Somerset (MA) police officer gave them $250 worth of gift cards out of his own pocket so they could provide a Christmas meal for their young children. That's what police officers do when nobody is looking. https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/01/02/massachusetts-police-officer-pays-for-shoplifting-womens-familys-christmas-dinner/

  • Legendary radio host, Paul Harvey, is a police survivor. His father, Harry Aurandt, was a Tulsa police officer shot and killed in the line of duty when Paul was only three years old. Officer Aurandt’s name is etched on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In 1992, Paul delivered the keynote address at the Memorial’s annual Candlelight Vigil. The speech he gave was virtually identical to the one from this radio broadcast. Watch Paul Harvey's Powerful Tribute To Policemen | 710 WOR | Mark Simone (iheart.com)

“Heroes Behind the Badge” Documentaries


Official Trailer

Heroes Behind The Badge [2012]

Official Trailer

Heroes Behind The Badge: Sacrifice & Survival [2013]