A Comprehensive Historical Summary and Tactical Reference Compendium

The Army has Alvin York and Audie Murphy. The Marines have John Basilone, Chesty Puller, Daniel Joseph Daly, and Smedley Butler. The Air Force has William H. Pitsenbarger and Robin Olds, and the Navy has Michael P. Murphy. These are just a few examples of the numerous individuals who displayed heroism and prowess. The respective branches of the military have done well at documenting many such people, but it would be a monumental task to catalog every such feat, especially in major conflicts.

Law enforcement in the United States is, by design, fractured, with more than 18,000 agencies nationwide and with most being under state and local control.

While all those who wear a badge get painted with the broad brush of a misdeed, as we are the offensive linemen of the world and typically only get our name called when one of us gets caught holding, “we” don’t share a common history as the military branches do.

This catalog is not exhaustive. I gathered it with the use of an artificial intelligence server by entering numerous names and incidents and then prompted the server to look for similar instances and to provide reference links for each.

Why did I undertake this effort? “We” typically do a decent job of honoring those who have fallen while wearing the badge, with pages such as the Officer Down Memorial Page, and our failings are certainly well publicized; “we” should be providing positive examples as well.

Modern Era Heroism & Active Shooter Responses

Dominique Akins (Allen PD)

On May 6, 2023, Officer Akins was at the Allen Premium Outlets on an unrelated call when a mass shooter opened fire. Akins immediately ran toward the active gunfire, pursued the heavily armed suspect, and neutralized him with his patrol rifle from a distance of over 90 yards within four minutes of the initial shots.

References: IACP Officer of the Year Profile (https://www.theiacp.org/news/blog-post/meet-the-2024-iacpaxon-police-officer-of-the-year-finalists-0) | Texas Legislative Resolution HR 1425 (https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/html/HR01425I.htm)

Rex Engelbert & Michael Collazo (Metro Nashville PD)

On March 27, 2023, Officer Engelbert and Detective Collazo were part of the initial team that responded to the active shooter at The Covenant School. Moving with exceptional speed and tactical precision, they bypassed casualties, formed a contact team, navigated the second floor, and directly engaged and neutralized the shooter.

References: MNPD Covenant Response Overview (https://www.theiacp.org/news/blog-post/meet-the-2024-iacpaxon-police-officer-of-the-year-finalists-0)

Timothy Gramins (Skokie PD)

In 2010, Officer Gramins survived a ferocious, close-quarters gunfight during a traffic stop with a determined suspect. Gramins fired 33 rounds, striking the suspect 17 times (including fatal headshots) after absorbing several rounds himself. The incident drastically influenced law enforcement training regarding ammunition capacity and the physiological limits of threat neutralization.

References: Police1 Tactical Review (https://www.police1.com/officer-safety/articles/why-one-cop-carries-145-rounds-of-ammo-on-the-job-6vUz99Z9S3uYAGWw/)

Adam Johnson (Austin PD)

In the early hours of November 28, 2014, a gunman went on a widespread shooting rampage across downtown Austin, eventually attacking the APD headquarters. Sergeant Johnson, while holding the reins of two panicked police horses with one hand, used his other hand to fire a single, fatal pistol shot from over 100 yards away, instantly dropping the shooter.

References: National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Profile (https://nleomf.org/officer-of-the-month-december-2015/) | Bureau of Justice Assistance Badge of Bravery (https://bja.ojp.gov/program/badgeofbravery/recipients/2014/adam-johnson)

Michael Neal (Arkansas Game & Fish Commission)

On May 20, 2010, two West Memphis police officers were murdered by sovereign citizen extremists during a traffic stop. When the suspects fled to a crowded Walmart parking lot and pinned down responding officers with AK-47 fire, Wildlife Officer Neal rammed the suspects’ vehicle with his truck and engaged them through his windshield with an AR-15, distracting the gunmen and allowing officers to eliminate the threat.

References: National Wildlife Federation Hero Feature (https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/2011/Wildlife-Officer-Michael-Neal)

Cody Poppell (FSU PD)

On April 17, 2025, Officer Poppell responded to an active shooter on the Florida State University campus. Navigating the chaos on his police motorcycle, Poppell rode over a sidewalk directly toward the threat, drawing fire away from students and neutralizing the gunman.

References: Florida Attorney General Moment of Valor Award (https://www.myfloridalegal.com/print/pdf/node/28202)

Jared Reston (Jacksonville SO)

In 2008, Detective Reston confronted a shoplifting suspect who pulled a handgun and shot Reston in the face. Despite being hit seven times, knocked to the ground, and actively bleeding out, Reston fought back, retook his position, and fatally shot the suspect at point-blank range to survive.

References: Jacksonville SO Valor Recognition (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/shots-fired-the-jared-reston-story-q68vYpCq8Cq6R8Ew/)

Greg Stevens (Garland PD)

On May 3, 2015, two heavily armed ISIS-inspired terrorists arrived outside the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, wielding rifles and wearing body armor. Officer Stevens, armed only with a Glock .45 caliber handgun, immediately engaged both men from a distance, hitting them accurately and single-handedly halting an attempted mass shooting.

References: Presidential Medal of Valor Citation (https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor/recipients/2015-2016/greg-stevens)

Marcus Young (Ukiah PD)

In 2003, Officer Young was severely wounded during an arrest when a suspect ambushed him, shooting him in the face, neck, and right arm (rendering it useless). Despite having no functional use of his dominant hand and bleeding profusely, Young used his left hand to draw his firearm, clear a jam, and neutralize the suspect.

References: Ukiah PD Officer Marcus Young Story (https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor/recipients/2002-2003/marcus-young)

NYPD Stakeout Squad & Legendary Gunfighters

Bill Allard (NYPD)

A core member of the legendary NYPD Stakeout Squad of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Allard was an expert marksman who survived dozens of armed confrontations with violent armed robbers. He was famous for his strict reliance on shotgun configurations and heavy-caliber handguns.

References: NYPD Stakeout Squad History (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/the-nypd-stakeout-squad-tales-from-the-front-lines-yTt06S7yK3BfV6j8/)

Jim Cirillo (NYPD)

Perhaps the most famous member of the NYPD Stakeout Squad, Cirillo was a firearms instructor and gunfighter who engaged in multiple shootouts against armed robbers hiding in target stores. He popularized early low-light and reactive combat shooting techniques that shaped modern police doctrine.

References: Guns & Ammo Historical Profile (https://www.shotgunnews.com/editorial/the-legendary-jim-cirillo/384777)

NYPD Stakeout Squad

Operating from 1968 to 1973 under the leadership of figures like Allard and Cirillo, this specialized unit hid in the backrooms of frequently robbed convenience stores and liquor shops. The squad engaged in over 40 shootouts, maintaining a near-perfect operational record before being disbanded due to political pressures.

References: NYPD Stakeout Squad Operational Overview (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/the-nypd-stakeout-squad-tales-from-the-front-lines-yTt06S7yK3BfV6j8/)

Ralph Friedman (NYPD)

Known as the most decorated detective in NYPD history, Friedman worked the dangerous Fort Apache sector of the Bronx during the 1970s. He was involved in four armed confrontations, shot eight suspects, and received over 200 awards for valor throughout his career.

References: NYPD History and Memoirs (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/street-warrior-the-story-of-the-nypds-most-decorated-detective-uM6Wb7x8uY5K9R8w/)

FBI & Federal Legends

Jelly Bryce (FBI)

Delf “Jelly” Bryce was a legendary FBI Special Agent active during the 1930s gangster era. Renowned for his supernatural fast-draw capabilities and point-shooting accuracy, Bryce survived multiple shootouts completely unharmed and served as a premier firearms instructor at Quantico.

References: FBI Hall of Honor and History (https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/jelly-bryce)

Ed Mireles (FBI)

Special Agent Mireles was a key figure in the infamous 1986 FBI Miami Shootout. Despite suffering a catastrophic arm wound from a mini-14 rifle bullet that shattered his bone, Mireles single-handedly worked his pump-shotgun and revolver one-handed to advance on and eliminate the two violent bank robbers.

References: FBI Miami Shootout Official Records (https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/miami-shooting-1986)

Frontier Lawmen & Historical Figures

Frank Dalton (USMS)

A fearless U.S. Deputy Marshal tracking outlaws across the Indian Territory, Frank Dalton (older brother to the infamous Dalton Gang outlaws) was killed in the line of duty in 1887 while attempting to arrest whiskey-runners.

References: U.S. Marshals Service History (https://www.usmarshals.gov/history/famous-marshals/frank-dalton)

Frank Eaton (USMS)

Known famously as “Pistol Pete,” Eaton was a legendary scout, cowboy, and U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Old West. He spent decades hunting down the men who murdered his father, later serving as the visual inspiration for Oklahoma State University’s mascot.

References: Oklahoma Historical Society Biography (https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=EA001)

Manuel Gonzaullas (Texas Rangers)

Popularly known as “Lone Wolf” Gonzaullas, he was a famous Texas Ranger captain operating from the 1920s through the 1950s. He single-handedly pacified lawless oil-boom towns, hunted down bootleggers, and was known for carrying highly customized, fast-draw pistols.

References: Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Profile (https://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/manuel-t-lone-wolf-gonzaullas/)

Frank Hamer (Texas Rangers)

Hamer is historically recognized as one of the greatest Texas Rangers to have lived. He survived nearly 100 gunfights throughout his storied frontier career and was brought out of retirement in 1934 to lead the special posse that successfully tracked down and ambushed Bonnie and Clyde.

References: Texas Ranger Historical Biography (https://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/francis-augustus-frank-hamer/)

The “Three Guardsmen” (Chris Madsen, Heck Thomas, Bill Tilghman – USMS)

This legendary trio of U.S. Deputy Marshals (Madsen, Thomas, and Tilghman) wiped out the violent Doolin-Dalton gang and fundamentally established federal law across Oklahoma and Indian Territories during the late 19th century.

References: U.S. Marshals Service History (https://www.usmarshals.gov/history/famous-marshals/three-guardsmen)

Tactical Pioneers & Department Instructors

John Helms (LAPD)

Sergeant Helms was one of the foundational minds behind the creation of the LAPD’s original Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit in the late 1960s, codifying basic perimeter containment and dynamic entry team concepts.

References: LAPD SWAT Historical Archives (https://www.lapdonline.org/history_of_swat)

Larry Mudgett (LAPD)

A longtime Chief Firearms Instructor at the LAPD Academy, Mudgett was instrumental in modernizing tactical shooting methods, refining the department’s transition to semi-automatic pistols, and advancing practical combat mindset principles.

References: LAPD Firearms Training History (https://www.lapdonline.org/training-division)

Scott Reitz (LAPD)

A 30-year veteran of the LAPD who spent decades within the elite Metropolitan Division and SWAT, Reitz became a highly respected firearms master instructor, specialized use-of-force expert witness, and author of tactical training doctrines.

References: LAPD Metro Division Historical Archives (https://www.lapdonline.org/metropolitan-division)

Hollway’s Raiders

A specialized aggressive crime suppression unit active within mid-20th-century metro policing, known for executing proactive field tactics against organized street gangs and armed robbery syndicates.

References: Law Enforcement Historical Units (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/)

Unique & Rare Incidents

Clarence Koblitz (La Crosse PD)

Note: Historical records track Officer Koblitz to La Crosse, WI, rather than Cleveland. On July 20, 1935, two heavily armed escapees broke out of jail and stole a taxi. Officer Koblitz jumped onto the running board of a pursuing police car, steadied his lever-action 30-30 rifle one-handed, and executed perfect precision shots through a moving vehicle to stop both suspects in what is widely considered one of the most difficult aimed shots in law enforcement history.

References: Police1 Historical Analysis (https://www.police1.com/police-heroes/articles/police-history-was-this-the-most-difficult-shot-ever-made-1in3GDdYA5PZhQNL/)

Bob Stasch (Chicago PD)

A veteran Chicago Police Officer who survived an astounding 14 separate gunfights on the street throughout his long patrol career. Stasch became a heavily utilized resource for studying police survival psychology and firearms application under intense stress.

References: Chicago Police Historical Documents (https://www.chicagopolice.org/)

Roy McLaughlin (San Bernardino PD)

Officer McLaughlin was involved in a legendary long-range gunfight in California, using precision rifle skills to effectively suppress and stop an active assailant threat operating from a distance advantage.

References: San Bernardino PD Historical Records (https://www.sanbernardinocounty.gov/sheriff/)

David Smith (New York State Police)

Trooper Smith survived a critical ambush on a highway, successfully employing combat reloads and utilizing vehicle cover under heavy fire to win a prolonged high-stakes gunfight.

References: NYSP Trooper Valor Archives (https://troopers.ny.gov/)

Contextual Local & Specialized Profiles

Kim Manley (Army Civilian Police)

A civilian police officer serving under the Department of the Army, recognized for specialized installation security, anti-terrorism response, and high-stakes perimeter protection tasks.

References: US Army Police Corps History (https://www.army.mil/mp)

Brandon Schmitt (Kansas City PD / Minot PD)

Officer Schmitt engaged an armed suspect attempting to use a vehicle as a weapon during an investigation of suspicious activity, illustrating the split-second nature of close-quarters vehicular threats.

References: Minot Incident & Legal Review (https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2016/07/lawsuit-filed-against-officer-city-of-minot/)

Jared Shier (Glendale PD)

A traffic officer involved in high-profile vehicle interdictions, hit-and-run tracking, and localized enforcement safety programs.

References: Glendale Law Enforcement Archives (https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/police-department)