EPD honors two of their own
Published 12:47 am Monday, February 17, 2020
- Star Photo/Ivan Sanders During the regularly scheduled February meeting of the Elizabethton City Council, two members of the Elizabethton Police Department were awarded the Medal of Distinguished Service. Police Chief Jason Shaw (L) presented Patrolman Jesse Richardson and Corporal James Deese the Medal along with City Mayor Curt Alexander.
BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR STAFF
ivan.sanders@elizabethton.com
When a man or woman decides that they want to pursue a career in law enforcement, they do so not seeking accolades or awards but only to serve and protect the citizens of the cities and towns that they represent.
However, in certain instances, these men and women deserve to be recognized for going above and beyond while risking their very lives for the ones they are sworn to protect.
On Thursday evening during the regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Elizabethton City Council at Elizabethton’s City Hall, time was set aside to honor two Elizabethton City Police officers for their outstanding performance in the apprehension of a suspect that could have gone awry had it not been for the two officers.
Elizabethton Police Chief Jason Shaw along with City Mayor Curt Alexander bestowed the Medal of Distinguished Service to Patrolman Jesse Richardson and Corporal James Deese.
During the presentation, Shaw shared how on September 16, 2019, at about 2 am in the morning that Corporal Deese and Patrolman Richardson were out on patrol working and doing what they were sworn to do.
On this particular morning, the two officers attempted to arrest a fleeing suspect when that suspect attempted to murder the two officers with a handgun.
According to Shaw, the two officers courageously responded to the situation in defense of one another in accordance with their training and the law.
“I am forever grateful to the fact they were able to win the fight and safely return home to their families at the end of that shift,” Shaw stated.
Shaw went on to share how his two officers were selected to receive such a recognition.
“The police department has an established system for the nomination and the selection of members of the department in recognition of meritorious and commendable service,” Shaw detailed. “The police departments’ award committee reviewed the nomination brought to them regarding actions of the officers in this incident.
“The committee made a recommendation to which I fully agreed. I am honored to award them with the Medal of Distinguished Service.”
Both officers had family and friends present for the presentation and received a standing ovation from the large crowd that attended the Council meeting.
