On July 16, 2022, Corporal Cole Kuta with the Heyburn City Police Department was on his way home after completing a 12-hour work shift, when he heard dispatch broadcast that a suspect had committed arson and forcibly carjacked a good Samaritan who stopped to help extinguish the fire. Cpl. Kuta went back on duty in search of the suspect and set a tire deflation device which the suspect evaded. Cpl. Kuta pursued the suspect who then drove through the median of the roadway and collided into Cpl. Kuta’s patrol vehicle, causing the airbags to deploy in the suspect’s stolen vehicle. Despite the violent force, Cpl. Kuta exited his vehicle, and the suspect ran to the open door of the police car. Cpl. Kuta deployed his taser as the suspect stole the police car and tried to run him over. Cpl. Kuta avoided being hit and fired his gun at the suspect, hitting him in the arm. Cpl. Kuta contacted dispatch and coordinated the efforts which led to catching the suspect and taking him into custody, preventing further risk and harm to the community.

Through indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for the safety of others, Corporal Cole Kuta showed great determination and bravery. Cpl. Kuta’s extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, with danger to his own life above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the Heyburn Police Department and Idaho law enforcement.