Idaho Medal of Honor Recipient
August 18, 2021
Corporal Ben Heinrich
Caldwell Police Department

On the evening of March 28, 2020, Caldwell Police Department Corporal Benjamin Heinrich responded to an address on Colorado Avenue following multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots. The suspect fired a gun at a woman as she was fleeing a residence. Later, the suspect forced his way into a nearby house and held those inside at gunpoint before firing a shot at a passing vehicle. A woman inside the vehicle suffered minor injuries. When officers arrived, the suspect began shooting at them with a shotgun, handgun, and a high powered rifle. The officers returned fire. Corporal Heinrich was in the lead patrol car and drew the initial rounds fired at the responding officers. He immediately drove into a yard, exited his car, and returned fire. His proactive actions placed his own life in danger by drawing the suspect’s attention away from a neighbor he was threatening, likely saving her life and allowing other officers to reduce the active shooter threat. The suspect was eventually wounded and later succumbed to his injuries.

Through indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for the safety of others, Corporal Benjamin Heinrich showed great determination and bravery. Corporal Heinrich’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 Caldwell Police Department and Idaho law enforcement.