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Officer Vidal Alberto Colon (Police Department, Milwaukee, WI)

2008–2009 Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Recipient

On April 11, 2009, Officer Vidal Colon and his partner responded to the report of a "subject with a gun" who was threatening citizens during a dispute. During his foot pursuit, Officer Colon chased the subject through residential yards to the rear of a house. As Officer Colon neared him, the subject stopped to retrieve the handgun he had dropped. Officer Colon was about 10 feet away and ordered the subject not to move; however, almost simultaneously, the subject fired his weapon at Officer Colon, hitting him in the abdomen. Despite his injury, Officer Colon and the subject continued to exchange fire until both their weapons were empty. When other police officers arrived, Officer Colon was able to rise to his feet and make it to the front of the residence to direct these officers to the suspect, so he could be taken into custody.

Three men wearing suits, standing in front of flags on a stage, and smiling at the camera. The man in the middle is holding a Medal of Valor award plaque.
Date Published: September 10, 2020