May 6, 2010 – (Boise) – Two peace officers from the Boise Police Department and two peace officers from the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office will receive the Idaho Medal of Honor tomorrow for their extraordinary heroism above and beyond the call of duty. The Boise Police Department officers will receive the Medal for their valor in a 1996 shootout in Boise. The Idaho County deputy sheriffs will be honored for their heroism in rescuing a young girl from the Clearwater River.

The Idaho Medal of Honor Commission announced today that the State of Idaho’s highest honor for law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs will be awarded to:

“The courage and selfless commitment to the service of others demonstrated by these officers reflects the values that the Idaho Legislature’s intended when it created the medal,” Attorney General and Idaho Medal of Honor Chairman Lawrence Wasden said. “Their deeds are a credit to law enforcement and an inspiration for other officers and all Idahoans.”

The Medals of Honor will be presented during ceremonies at the Idaho Peace Officers Memorial in Meridian at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 7.

BACKGROUND

Officers Christensen and Mulcahy will be honored for their courage and valor in the face of extreme danger during a June 24, 1996, shootout following a stop in downtown Boise.

Deputies Martinez and Ulmer will be honored for their heroism and courage when they swam across the Clearwater River to retrieve two-year-old Kayla Ladd on July 10, 2009.

The Idaho Legislature established the Medal of Honor to ensure that the sacrifices of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs are recognized and their bravery honored by the state whose citizens they protect.

Additional information about the 2010 recipients and previous recipients is available on the Medal of Honor Commission website.

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