On May 5, 2022, Officer Makenzie Handel and Officer Demetrius Amos with the Pocatello City Police Department responded to a call of disturbance that included a male pointing a firearm at a juvenile and an adult female. At approximately 1:30 a.m., Officer Handel and Officer Amos, along with two trainees arrived on the scene. The male suspect was on the back deck of the residence holding a rifle and pointing it at the officers. Officer Amos fired two rounds at the suspect causing him to flee toward the alley. Officer Handel and Officer Amos led the trainee officers around the front of the residence toward the alley where the suspect was lying in wait to ambush them. The suspect fired multiple shots in the direction of these officers. Officer Handel shot the suspect which caused him to fall to the ground and be taken into custody. Officer Amos selflessly put himself in harm’s way, to protect the innocent lives at the residence and then again to protect the officers in training. During the encounter, Officer Amos and Officer Handel were shot and suffered life-threatening injuries.

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