Las Vegas, NV (KXNT) - A special award ceremony that was canceled during pandemic shutdowns was held on Wednesday to honor 22 Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department officers with the James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial Survivor Plaque.
The James D. Hoff Peace Officer Memorial award honors officers who placed themselves in harm’s way and survived. The memorial was the first in the state to honor Nevada peace officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.
The following officers were recognized at the ceremony for their heroics:
Officers Celina Cruz and Anthony Raymond for the January 26, 2018 incident involving a man who took the life of his wife, while his kids were in the house.
Sergeant Cody Thompson, Officer Theodore Carrasco, and Officer Jacob Werner for their rescue on June 24, 2017 of a little girl who was held hostage.
Officer Bryon Bunitsky for the September 28, 2018 incident involving a man with a gun outside a popular clothing store.
Officer Otto Foster for the August 11, 2018 incident where he risked his life to save a suicidal man trapped inside a burning structure.
Officer David Nesheiwat for the November 11, 2017 incident involving a woman being held hostage at gunpoint.
Officers Thomas Carrigy, Brian Farrington, Maria Fulwiler, and Keenan Graham for the September 3, 2018 incident involving the rescue of a woman who was held hostage at gunpoint.
Sergeant Daniella Cino for the August 8, 2018 incident of an in-progress stabbing that ended with the suspect rushing toward the officer with a butcher knife.
Officers Peter Herasimtschuk, Scott Hinckley, Travis Puana, and Frank Rycraft for the June 6, 2017 incident involving a violent suspect who got into a shootout with police.
Sergeants Jason Harries, Brian Kobrys, Officers James Parker, Paul Solomon, and William Umana for the July 11, 2018 incident involving a high-speed pursuit involving potential homicide suspect