Md. Officer Receives Bravery Award For Role In 2010 Discovery Channel Hostage Situation

SILVER SPRING, Md. (WJZ)— Many will never forget the day a gunman stormed the Discovery Channel building in Silver Spring. Now a Montgomery County police officer is being honored for his bravery that day.

Monique Griego has more.

In September 2010, SWAT teams descended on Silver Spring, Md. A man wearing a vest of pipe bombs entered the Discovery Channel building waving a handgun and took three hostages.

After a four-hour standoff, the crisis came to an end--with James Lee as the only casualty. The suspect was shot by police officers.

Now, a Montgomery County police officer, who helped take down the suspect and bring the hostages to safety, is receiving an award for his courage.

"My colleagues and I, we are blessed that, you know, none of us got hurt and only the bad guy did," said Officer Edward Paden Jr.

Paden is among 20 police officers from across the country to receive the Congressional Bravery Award. Paden, who was off duty, was one of the first to run into the building and help the hostages.

He also provided SWAT with crucial information on how to get to the gunman. Still Paden says he was just doing his job.

"That's what we're here for. I mean to serve the community at large," Paden said.

Paden is the only Maryland officer to receive the award.