Seven local law enforcement officers were recently recognized for their bravery in a police-involved shooting that occurred in Grants Pass late last year. The Oregon Peace Officers Association honored the men at their annual awards banquet held earlier this month.
Deputy Bayard and Deputy Wolfe of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office, Corporal Tracey and Officer Six of the Grants Pass Police Department, and Lieutenant Gay and Sergeant Fisher of the Oregon State Police all received Medals of Valor. Sheriff's Corporal Porter received the Medal of Honor.
During the week of December 11, 2023, the three agencies were assisting the US Marshals Service with attempting to locate and arrest a fugitive who was wanted for numerous felony crimes including 2nd-Degree Murder. The suspect was seen by Deputy Bayard driving toward Grants Pass on Redwood Highway so the deputy turned around and followed the suspect while alerting GPPD and OSP.
Following a high-risk traffic stop on Highway 199 at Allen Creek Road, the police officers became engaged in a close-quarters gunfight with the suspect, eventually killing the dangerous suspect who was well-armed and wearing body armor. No one else was seriously hurt, but Corporal Porter sustained minor injuries with glass and bullet fragments striking him in the head.
Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel said because of the swift and courageous actions of local law enforcement officers in this incident, no citizens were injured.