President Trump presented the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest award for public safety, to six Dayton police officers on Monday, September 9, 2019. The officers were recognized for their heroic response to the mass shooting that occurred in Dayton, Ohio, on August 4, 2019. The tragic event resulted in nine fatalities and injuries to more than two dozen people.
During a ceremony held in the White House’s East Room, President Trump, accompanied by Attorney General William Barr, commended the officers who were first on the scene of the mass shooting in a crowded downtown Dayton entertainment district. The officers confronted the shooter within approximately 30 seconds of the first shots being fired. This swift and decisive action is widely credited with preventing further loss of life.
“There are few people who could have done, and would have done, what these police officers did,” President Trump stated. “To each of you, we are in awe of your swift response, sterling professionalism, and rock-solid nerves of steel.”
The Dayton police officers who received the Medal of Valor were Sgt. William Knight and officers Brian Rolfes, Jeremy Campbell, Vincent Carter, Ryan Nabel, and David Denlinger, according to Fox News. Law enforcement authorities reported that 24-year-old Connor Betts shot 26 people in the span of just 32 seconds before Sgt. Knight returned fire upon hearing the initial gunshots from his patrol unit. The five additional officers quickly moved toward the gunman, effectively stopping him from continuing his deadly rampage. Their actions exemplified the thin blue line between safety and tragedy.
“These officers were the thin blue line between life and death,” Attorney General Barr said. “We thank God on that horrible night in Dayton we had men with these qualities.”
In addition to honoring the Dayton officers, President Trump also recognized the heroism of five civilians with heroic commendations for their actions during a shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas. This separate incident resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to others. President Trump described the shooter as “soulless and bigoted” and labeled the attack as “racist.”
The civilians honored were Robert Evans, who alerted store employees to the shooting; Gilbert Serna, who guided customers to safety through the back entrance and hid them in shipping containers; Marisela Luna, who directed customers near the store’s lobby; Angelica Silva, who provided aid to wounded victims; and Chris Grant, who was wounded when he threw soda bottles at the shooter to distract him. Their courage under fire was recognized as extraordinary.
“In the darkest moments of despair, God called them into action and they put love of their neighbor above their life,” Trump said. “We are forever inspired by their goodness and the grace of their deeds.”
“To the families of the heroes, you understand the difference your loved ones made in lives,” President Trump concluded. “We thank you from bottom of our hearts.”
The President’s recognition of both the Dayton police officers and the El Paso civilians underscores the importance of swift response and selfless acts of heroism in the face of tragedy. These individuals demonstrated extraordinary valor and commitment to protecting others.