Medal of Valor Class A
Established 1972

July 18,1985

Officer Dennis K. 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 Pangel
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 and 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.