The Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded in situations where during the course of an emergency, a public safety official/unit demonstrates extraordinary judgment and performance of his/her/their duties. Lieutenant Doug Morphis, K-9 Officer Craig Dallape, and Officer Adrian McKinnon with the Norcross Police Department were awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor because of their actions in response to a shooting. In addition to the shooting broadcasted by Norcross Police Communication, Gwinnett County 911 was on an open line with the complainant who advised that his wife had shot him in the stomach. Lt. Morphis, K-9 Officer Dallape, and Officer McKinnon responded to the scene. As the officers were waiting for further information from the dispatcher and listening for
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any activity inside the house, the officers heard what appeared to be another gunshot. Dispatch advised that they were still on line with Gwinnett 911 and they did hear a gunshot and a baby crying. Prior to the arrival of the officers and during their staging efforts, the brave officers later found out that the male subject had been shot in the stomach and had crawled into the bedroom to call 911. While officers were en route to the location, Gwinnett 911 heard another shot and then lost communication with the male subject. The complainant had just been shot again in the chest. As the officers were staging at the front door, the female shot herself. The baby was in the bedroom while all of this transpired and was given to the grandparents.
The Silver Medal of Valor, the second highest award for bravery and heroism, is awarded in situations when a public safety official/unit knowingly exposes himself/herself/themselves to great personal risk in the performance of an official act. The Silver Medal of Valor was awarded to Officer Amiziah Smith with the Gwinnett County Department of Corrections. While on duty driving his detail bus, occupied with inmates, Officer Smith witnessed an automobile accident and without hesitation and after securing the inmates, rendered aid to those involved in the accident. Officer Smith forced the drivers door open to the inflamed car to allow the driver to escape unharmed and then proceeded to rescue the front seat passenger, who was unable to move due to injuries, from the burning vehicle. Officer Smith was also recognized at the Gwinnett Chambers State of the County Address where Gwinnett County Board of Commission Chairman awarded him with the Medal of Valor.
The Gold Medal of Valor, the highest award for bravery and heroism, is awarded in cases in which the public safety official/unit knowingly placed his/her/their life/lives in peril of death or serious bodily harm while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. The Gold Medal of Valor was awarded to Gwinnett County Police Department Officer James Huth. Sergeant Michael McKeithan, Corporal William Hoch, Officer James Huth, Officer Ross Hancock and Officer Cole Crosby of the Gwinnett County Police Depart who went to serve felony warrants at a residential location that ended in a violent altercation with the felon. Sgt. McKeithan and Cpl. Hoch were to go inside the residence and make contact with the subject. Once inside, the subject opened fire on them with a high-powered rifle, severely wounding both Sgt. McKeithan and Cpl. Hoch.
After hearing the shots, the remaining officers who were surrounding the residence immediately went to the assistance of their fallen comrades. Officer Huth went into the residence and saw a subject moving towards the injured officers. After engaging gunfire with the subject and forcing him to withdraw, Officer Huth assisted Sgt. McKeithan to safety while Cpl. Hoch made it to safety on his own. The suspect remained armed in the home as SWAT officers responded to the location. After several attempts to negotiate with the suspect, the tactical entry team entered the home where officers found the suspect deceased. Both Sgt. McKeithan and Cpl. Hoch sustained injuries that required extensive stays at Gwinnett Medical Center, several surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
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2009 Valor Awards Lifesaving Award Nominationsby GwinnettChamber564 views
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