Idaho Medal of Honor Recipient
May 8, 2009
Officer Chris Davis
Boise Police Department

On August 5, 2008, Boise Police Officer Chris Davis responded to a Code Three call to “assist fire”. Officer Davis observed the fire, propelled by 50 mile per hour winds, racing toward the Oregon Trail Heights Subdivision in Boise, Idaho. Officer Davis drove to the threatened subdivision, where he joined Boise Police Officer Jason Rose. Breathing thick, black smoke, Officers Davis and Rose ran from door to door, evacuating residents from their homes. At one point, flames shot over a house as a huge wave and between houses like a blowtorch, aimed directly at Officer Davis. Officer Davis ran for his life as the flames blew around him, melting the shirt on his back. After extinguishing his clothing, Officer Davis pressed on through the flames and chaos. Forty foot walls of flame continued to force the officers to dive for cover. Propane tanks and water heaters exploded around them. Houses were burning as the officers entered home after home to make sure residents were safely evacuated. Despite the increasing danger, Officers Davis and Rose remained committed to evacuating the residents, ultimately causing the officers to become trapped in a cul-de-sac by a 100 foot wave of swirling flames. Officer Rose drove his patrol car through a barrier, allowing them to escape with their lives. Through indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for the residents of the Oregon Trail Heights Subdivision, Officer Davis’ extraordinary heroism and resolute courage, fortitude, and endurance at grave danger to his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the Boise Police Department and of Idaho law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself, the Boise Police Department, and all Idaho law enforcement officers.

Read Officer Chris Davis’s Official Medal of Honor Citation >>>