OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – A Nationwide Guard member and three Oklahoma law enforcement officials, together with an officer who died within the line of responsibility, have been honored for heroism and sacrifice throughout a ceremony on the Oklahoma State Capitol on Tuesday.
Gov. Kevin Stitt introduced the Oklahoma Medal of Valor to Sgt. Pedro Gonzales III of the Oklahoma Military Nationwide Guard.
He additionally introduced the Oklahoma Purple Coronary heart to the late Sgt. Craig Johnson, who was a member of the Tulsa Police Division, officer Aurash Zarkeshan, additionally with Tulsa Police, and Oklahoma Metropolis Police Division officer Zachary Barby, based on a information launch issued from Stitt’s workplace.
“In Oklahoma, we acknowledge that the liberty we maintain so dearly is protected by public security officers and heroes who put their lives on the road each day,” Stitt mentioned. “I’m humbled and honored to acknowledge a few of Oklahoma’s best residents on behalf of our state.”
Gonzales acquired the Oklahoma Medal of Valor for saving the lifetime of an aged, feminine neighbor on Sept. 19, 2023, when he stepped between the girl and a person attacking her with a knife. He held the attacker off, enabling his neighbor, in addition to his girlfriend, to flee and name 911. He was stabbed within the face and neck whereas defending his neighbor. He has absolutely recovered and is again on responsibility with the Military Nationwide Guard.
“Sgt. Gonzales is the embodiment of what an Oklahoma Nationwide Guardsman is,” mentioned Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, the adjutant common for Oklahoma. “And not using a thought for his personal security, Pedro put himself between a would-be killer and a defenseless neighbor. That’s the essence of what the Nationwide Guard does, we come to assistance from our neighbors, through the worst days of their lives, with no second thought.”
The Oklahoma Purple Coronary heart is introduced to public security members who suffered life-threatening accidents within the line of responsibility.
Johnson and Zarkeshan have been honored for his or her bravery throughout a visitors cease in Tulsa on June 29, 2023.
The officers pulled over David Ware, a motorist who allegedly refused to get out of his car after receiving 12 orders to take action. The officers used each a stun gun and pepper spray to get Ware to conform. Because the officers struggled with Ware, he allegedly pulled out a gun and shot each at shut vary. Johnson fell to the bottom. Ware then allegedly shot Zarkeshan once more, hitting him within the head.
“The motive force left the scene, however Zarkeshan was capable of present data to responding officers that led to the fast apprehension of the suspect,” the information launch states.
Johnson died from his wounds the next day. Zarkeshan spent 5 months rehabilitating from his accidents. He’s now again on the Police Division on modified task.
Johnson’s spouse Kristi attended the ceremony and posthumously accepted the award.
“Our household appreciates Craig being honored and we’re humbled by the continuing present of help,” Kristi Johnson mentioned.
Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum lauded each officers for his or her heroism.
“I’d prefer to thank Governor Stitt for honoring two of Tulsa’s heroes – Officer Aurash Zarkeshan and Sgt. Craig Johnson,” Bynum mentioned. “Their bravery and sacrifice will all the time be remembered by the residents of Tulsa, and this recognition on behalf of the whole State of Oklahoma means an amazing deal.”
Barby acquired the Purple Coronary heart for his actions on the morning of Nov. 11, 2023. He and a number of other different law enforcement officials have been making an attempt to apprehend a suspect believed accountable for two murders and a kidnapping.
The suspect allegedly opened hearth at officers. Barby was shot as soon as within the torso, however a bulletproof vest protected him. The suspect was shot and killed.
Barby was handled at a hospital for extreme bruising to his higher proper stomach.
“Officer Zach Barby and his colleagues put their lives on the road to apprehend a suspect in a collection of horrific murders,” mentioned Oklahoma Metropolis Mayor David Holt. “It’s only because of trendy protecting tools that Officer Barby remains to be with us in the present day. He was prepared to do no matter it required to guard the individuals of our metropolis. It’s becoming that the State of Oklahoma is honoring him in the present day, and on behalf of the individuals of Oklahoma Metropolis, we’re grateful to Officer Barby and his household.”
The awards Stitt introduced on Tuesday are the primary state stage awards for heroism given via the Oklahoma State Awards Program (OSAP), based on the information launch.
A nine-member committee of state public security officers that’s chaired by Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell decided the award recipients.
“The Oklahoma State Awards Program Committee is happy to acknowledge an unbelievable inaugural group of award recipients,” Pinnell mentioned. “This program is a becoming technique to honor Oklahomans for his or her distinguished service to our state.”
OSAP committee members embody the Adjutant Common of the Oklahoma Nationwide Guard, the commissioner of the Division of Public Security, the director of the Division of Corrections, the director of the Division of Transportation, the president of the Oklahoma Sheriffs’ Affiliation, the president of the Oklahoma Affiliation of Chiefs of Police, the president of the Oklahoma State Firefighters Affiliation and the president of the Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers Affiliation.
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