Gov. DeSantis awards FSU officers Medal of Heroism for on-campus bravery during shooting
Gov. Ron DeSantis has presented Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower and seven FSUPD officers with the Governor's Medal of Heroism.
Officers responded with "valor" to confront and take down 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, who opened fire nearly two weeks on the Florida State University campus, killing two and leaving six injured.
"These brave officers ran toward danger at great personal risk and potential sacrifice to protect students and staff on FSU's campus," DeSantis posted on social media April 30. "This is truly answering the call of duty and putting others first."
An FSU police officer was the first to fire shots at Ikner, stopping his on-campus rampage within three minutes of the first report of gunfire.
Under state law, a governor can give the Medal of Heroism to a first responder who "distinguished himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity."
The recipient must have risked one's life "above and beyond the call of duty" and engaged in "hazardous or perilous activities to preserve lives with the knowledge that such activities might result in great personal harm."
"Thank you to each of the eight officers recognized today for exemplifying heroism; this is an honor well deserved," DeSantis wrote.
Local government watchdog reporter Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Gov. DeSantis honors FSU police for heroism during campus shooting
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