Two U.S. Capitol Police officers who risked their own lives after a gunman fired on Republican lawmakers at a Congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia four months ago were honored with the 2017 IACP/Target Police Officer of the Year award on Sunday.
Special Agents Crystal Griner and David Bailey were given the award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police for jumping into action during the June 14 rampage by James Hodgkinson that left Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise critically wounded, according to FOX News.
"Special Agents Griner's and Bailey's selection as officer of the year along with the 3 officers from the Alexandria Police Department is a significant honor from the law enforcement community and is a testament to their heroism on June 14," U.S. Capitol Police Chief Matt Verderosa said. "The Department, and I as their Chief, are tremendously proud of all of them and congratulate them."
Both Griner and Bailey, who were serving as members of Scalise's protective detail -- were both injured in the shooting, but survived.
President Donald Trump awarded the two officers with the Public Safety Medal of Valor following the shooting.
"Many lives would have been lost if not for the heroic actions of the two Capitol Police officers who took down the gunman despite sustaining gunshot wounds during a very, very brutal assault," Trump said during that ceremony.
Following the shooting, Scalise thanked the officers at the scene for their efforts and said he was "especially grateful" for Griner and Bailey, who "saved my life, and are my heroes."
