Navy Yard Shooting Heroes Honored At Awards Ceremony
WASHINGTON (WJZ)—Heroes from one of the darkest days in Washington, D.C. are honored.
Mary Bubala reports police officers and others risked their lives the day of the Navy Yard shooting when government contractor Aaron Alexis opened fire.
At the D.C. Police Department's annual awards ceremony Thursday night, WJZ got a first look at some of the heroes of the deadly Navy Yard shooting last September.
D.C. Police officer Scott Williams was leading one of the initial active shooter teams as they searched the third floor area. The gunman opened fire on Williams, shooting him multiple times in both legs. He received one of the highest awards.
"When I was in the hospital, it really means a lot, when you are down and out it, to have a lot of people looking out for you, so thank you," Williams said.
Navy special agents Brian Kelley and Ed Martin pulled the wounded officer to safety and carried him down three flights of stairs. Then D.C. Officer Dorian Desantis headed into harm's way.
The gunman opened fire, striking Desantis in the chest. His body armor stopped the round and Desantis fired back, taking out the gunman and bringing an end to the tragedy. He received the other highest award.
"I appreciate. It's really a team effort all the way the across the board. Not just NPD but our fellow agencies as well. And thank you very much," Desantis said.
U.S. Park police officers Andrew Wong and Carl Hiott were also honored. They provided cover and engaged the shooter in the final gun battle.
And for their heroic helicopter rescue of the injured from the roof of that building, the U.S. Park Police helicopter team was also honored: the pilot, Sgt. Kenneth Burchell and crew Sgt. David Tolson and Officer Michael Abate.
Twelve people died in the Navy Yard shooting along with the suspect; 117 officers from different agencies responded and there were eight separate gun battles with the suspect.
Other Local News:
