2012 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 18, 2012, the following individuals were recognized for their valor and heroism:
Officer Paul Alexander
Idaho Fish & Game
On April 15, 2011, at approximately 5:15 p.m., while on patrol along the Black Canyon Reservoir, Idaho Fish and Game Senior Conservation Officer Paul Alexander saw a vehicle in the water. When he turned around to investigate, the vehicle was completely submerged and the driver of the vehicle was attempting to swim to shore. Officer Alexander encouraged the man to continue to swim, but the man responded that he couldn’t make it and went underwater twice. Read more >>>
Corporal Allen Ashby
Idaho State Police
On August 28, 2011, at approximately 1:44 p.m., Idaho State Police Corporal Allen Ashby was one of the responders to an accident on Fernan Lake Road. A car had overturned into the lake and was completely submerged. Two young children were trapped in the vehicle. Corporal Ashby and ISP Specialist Gerald Stemm dove into the water to rescue the children. They made repeated attempts to open the doors of the submerged vehicle, but the deep water and limited visibility made their attempts unsuccessful. Read more >>>
Officer Dennis Clark
Jerome Police Department
On February 7, 2011, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Jerome Police Officer Dennis Clark saw a suspect, whom he knew to have a suspended license, driving a vehicle. Officer Clark initiated a traffic stop; however, the suspect refused to stop and the incident turned into a high-speed pursuit. At one point, the suspect stopped in a driveway and fired a shotgun at Officer Clark, hitting Officer Clark in the eye. Officer Clark ducked towards the passenger seat and was unable to reach his firearm. Read more >>>
Officer Jason Ewing
Lewiston Police Department
On November 28, 2010, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Lewiston Reserve Police Officer Jason Ewing and Lewiston Police Officer Dustin Hibbard reported to a fire at an apartment complex. The officers, who were the first emergency responders on the scene, entered the back of the complex, where they heard a woman screaming for help. Officers Ewing and Hibbard found the apartment and forced their way in, despite the overwhelming smoke and poor visibility. Read more >>>
Deputy Anthony Glenn
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office
On June 17, 2011, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Glenn was assisting the Idaho State Police in apprehending a fleeing suspect. The suspect fled from a traffic stop and barricaded himself inside his home. Deputies Glenn and Chad Lenz, along with Officers Malin Reynolds and Bart Whiting of the Idaho Falls Police Department, entered the residence after breaching the door. Officer Reynolds chased the suspect into the kitchen where the suspect shot him at point-blank range. Read more >>>
Captain Richard Halligan
Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
On August 28, 2011, at approximately 1:44 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Captain and Paramedic Richard Halligan responded to an accident on Fernan Lake Road. A car had overturned into the lake and was completely submerged. Two young children were trapped in the vehicle. Captain Halligan and Coeur d’Alene Firefighter Donald Porter swam out to the vehicle and attempted to reach the children. Read more >>>
Officer Dustin Hibbard
Lewiston Police Department
On November 28, 2010, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Lewiston Police Officer Dustin Hibbard and Lewiston Reserve Police Officer Jason Ewing reported to a fire at an apartment complex. The officers, who were the first emergency responders on the scene, entered the back of the complex where they heard a woman screaming for help. Officers Hibbard and Ewing found the apartment and forced their way in, despite the overwhelming smoke and poor visibility. Read more >>>
Sergeant John Kempf
Idaho State Police
On June 7, 2011, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Idaho State Police Sergeant John Kempf was the first emergency responder to a crash scene on I-84. He observed a tractor trailer on its side engulfed in flames. A passerby who had also stopped to help (James Harkin) was checking the outside of the cab, which was also on fire. Sergeant Kempf and Mr. Harkin heard someone inside the cab screaming for help. Sergeant Kempf and Mr. Harkin climbed on top of the tractor to open the door. Read more >>>
Deputy Chad Lenz
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office
On June 17, 2011, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy Chad Lenz was assisting the Idaho State Police in apprehending a fleeing suspect. The suspect fled from a traffic stop and barricaded himself inside his home. Deputies Lenz and Anthony Glenn, along with Officers Malin Reynolds and Bart Whiting of the Idaho Falls Police Department, entered the residence after breaching the door. Officer Reynolds chased the suspect into the kitchen where the suspect shot him at point-blank range. Read more >>>
Firefighter Donald Porter
Coeur d’Alene Fire Department
On August 28, 2011, at approximately 1:44 p.m., Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician Donald Porter responded to an accident on Fernan Lake Road. A car had overturned into the lake and was completely submerged. Two young children were trapped in the vehicle. Firefighter Porter and Coeur d’Alene Fire Department Captain Richard Halligan swam out to the vehicle and attempted to reach the children. Read more >>>
Officer Malin Reynolds
Idaho Falls Police Department
On June 17, 2011, Idaho Falls Police Officer Malin Reynolds was assisting the Idaho State Police in apprehending a fleeing suspect. The suspect fled from a traffic stop and barricaded himself inside his home. Officer Reynolds rammed open the door and entered the residence, along with Officer Bart Whiting and Deputies Anthony Glenn and Chad Lenz of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Reynolds chased the suspect into the kitchen where the suspect shot him at point-blank range. Read more >>>
Specialist Gerald Stemm
Idaho State Police
On August 28, 2011, at approximately 1:44 p.m., Idaho State Police Senior Specialist Gerald Stemm was one of the responders to an accident on Fernan Lake Road. A car had overturned into the lake and was completely submerged. Two young children were trapped in the vehicle. Specialist Stemm was the first to dive into the water to rescue the children, with ISP Corporal Allen Ashby joining him a few moments later. Read more >>>