Chief honors officers and civilian with Chief's Commendation
Nevada Daily Mail
Nevada Police Chief Graham Burnley honored three men in a ceremony Tuesday afternoon, recognizing them for their actions in a potentially dangerous situation on May 19.
On that day, Sgt. Richard Burdick and officer Clinton Berry responded to a call involving the report of an individual threatening suicide in his home, partially as a result of a recent breakup in a relationship. The victim was reported to have been a combat veteran who could be armed.
The officers made sure the location was safe, the surrounding community members out of harm's way and the suspect secured in one location. Former sheriff and retired Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper Mickey Mason, who was acquainted with the victim, was also on the scene to help.
With the use of their Crisis Intervention Team training, the officers tried to interact with the victim verbally, but with limited success. Mason was then able to distract him in order to open the door and provide opportunity for the officers to enter the residence and secure the scene, including a loaded pistol he said he had planned to use on himself.
Because of their actions, Burnley awarded the three men with the Chief's Commendation award in a ceremony in front of residents, as well as police officers and sheriff's department deputies.
"This three-man team quickly and firmly gained control of the situation by using proper police tactics and voice commands," Burnley said during the ceremony.
Burnley said it was because of their restraint and use of training and tactics in the situation that it was resolved efficiently with no injuries.
"Their actions are commendable and bring credit to themselves and to the highest traditions of the Nevada Police Department," Burnley said in his presentation.