2008 Medal of Honor Recipients

In recognition for extraordinary acts of valor and heroism, the Idaho Law Enforcement, Firefighting and EMS Medal of Honor is awarded to law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs who have been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct, assuring that the sacrifices of these professionals are recognized and their bravery honored by the state whose citizens they protect.

On May 16, 2008, the following individuals were recognized for their valor and heroism:

Officer Jesse L. Applehans

Officer Jesse L. Applehans
Moscow Police Department

On Saturday, May 19, 2007, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Jason Hamilton arrived at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, armed with two semi-automatic rifles, and opened fire. Sheriff’s Deputies were called in from home and were coordinating efforts and responses between one another and with other law enforcement departments. Among these were Sgt. Phil Gray, Sgt. Brannon Jordan, and Deputy Jay Waters. During the ensuing mayhem, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill was shot. Read more >>>

Sergeant Phil A. Gray

Sergeant Phil A. Gray
Latah County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, May 19, 2007, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Jason Hamilton arrived at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, armed with two semi-automatic rifles, and opened fire. Sheriff’s Deputies were called in from home and were coordinating efforts and responses between one another and with other law enforcement departments. Among these were Sgt. Phil Gray, Sgt. Brannon Jordan, and Deputy Jay Waters. During the ensuing mayhem, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill was shot. Read more >>>

Sergeant Brannon J. Jordon

Sergeant Brannon J. Jordan
Latah County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, May 19, 2007, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Jason Hamilton arrived at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, armed with two semi-automatic rifles, and opened fire. Sheriff’s Deputies were called in from home and were coordinating efforts and responses between one another and with other law enforcement departments. Among these were Sgt. Phil Gray, Sgt. Brannon Jordan, and Deputy Jay Waters. During the ensuing mayhem, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill was shot. Read more >>>

Officer Brek Orton

Officer Brek Orton
Boise Police Department

On August 7, 2007, Boise Police Officer Brek Orton responded to a call for a water rescue on the Boise River. Upon arrival, Officer Orton observed three Boise firefighters on a log in the river trying to cut a trapped woman’s bathing suit free from the limbs of a downed tree. She had been completely submerged under eight to ten inches of water for approximately ten minutes. Read more >>>

Deputy Ryan S. Sillers

Deputy Ryan S. Sillers
Latah County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, May 19, 2007, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Jason Hamilton arrived at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, armed with two semi-automatic rifles, and opened fire. Sheriff’s Deputies were called in from home and were coordinating efforts and responses between one another and with other law enforcement departments. Among these were Sgt. Phil Gray, Sgt. Brannon Jordan, and Deputy Jay Waters. During the ensuing mayhem, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill was shot. Read more >>>

Deputy Jay Waters

Deputy Jay Waters
Latah County Sheriff’s Office

On Saturday, May 19, 2007, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Jason Hamilton arrived at the Latah County Sheriff’s Office, armed with two semi-automatic rifles, and opened fire. Sheriff’s Deputies were called in from home and were coordinating efforts and responses between one another and with other law enforcement departments. Among these were Sgt. Phil Gray, Sgt. Brannon Jordan, and Deputy Jay Waters. During the ensuing mayhem, Moscow Police Officer Lee Newbill was shot. Read more >>>