Special honors for a Minneapolis Police Officer wounded in the line of duty earlier this month who receives the department's Medal of Honor and the first ever receipt of a Minneapolis Police Department Purple Heart Medal.
Officer Jacob Spies was wounded by automatic gunfire August 11 as he was pursuing a robbery suspect on the city's north side. He was taken by fellow police to North Memorial Hospital and released hours after the shooting, with dozens of fellow officers showing up to line the outside of the hospital exit.
During the ceremony, his wife Holly spoke about the overwhelming support she and her family got in the days following the shooting.
"What happened that night was born from evil, the journey we have been on so far has reinforced by faith in the goodness of people, community, and gratitude," said Holly Spies. "Today, I have so much to be grateful for."
Police Chief Brian O'Hara presented the awards to Spees and praised his response after being shot.
"Despite the shock of the attack, and despite his injury, Officer Spies ability to remain calm and air pertinent information, led to the quick apprehension of the suspects, the likely prevention of future violence to others, and allowed him to receive the critical aid that he needed for his injuries," said O'Hara.
Two men have been charged in the shooting. 19-year old Frederick Leon Davis is charged with attempted second-degree murder and 20-year old Nevaeh Lee Page is charged with aiding an offender after the fact for the shots that struck Spies, who was in plain clothes.
"The actions of Officer Spies on August 11th exemplify the very best of our profession—performing selflessly to ensure the safety of the people we serve.
Driven by honor and courage, Officer Spies, and other officers working that night showed tremendous mindfulness and restraint in the capture and arrest of four involved suspects. His actions and the actions of our officers show a stark contrast to the violent suspects who preyed upon and terrorized innocent people in our community—culminating with a violent ambush on a densely populated city street. And because of the heroic actions of Officer Spies and every member of the service who answered the call that night, we have sent a clear message that violence will not stand.
To his family, especially Holly and Olivia, thank you for supporting Jacob in his important service. Your endless love and support to him is a service to this department and to the people of Minneapolis. This job would be impossible without you. You deserve the gratitude of this city and this agency for sharing Jacob with us.”