President Biden Awards Littleton Police Officer with Medal of Valor

Published on May 17, 2023

Corporal-Farmer-White-House.png

President Joe Biden awarded Littleton Police Corporal, Jeff Farmer, with the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor on Wednesday, May 17. This medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer and Corporal Jeff Farmer is the first Colorado officer to receive this honor.

Corporal Farmer received this medal for his extraordinary bravery, selflessness, and quick thinking on the evening of September 20, 2021. Corporal Farmer and Officer Snook of the Littleton Police Department responded to a call of shots fired. Officer Snook located the suspect vehicle and engaged in a foot pursuit, following the suspect into a nearby apartment building. Upon entry into the building, Officer Snook was met by a hail of gunfire and shot multiple times by the suspect.

Corporal Farmer had also initially started to chase after the suspect, but in doing so, had severely injured his knee. Corporal Farmer immediately realized the severity of Officer Snook’s injuries and determined that he needed to enter the doorway to save his life. Despite the injury to his knee, Corporal Farmer started to drag Officer Snook out of the doorway when the suspect began firing at the officers from the second-floor stairwell.

Even under fire, Corporal Farmer stayed next to Officer Snook and returned fire as the suspect continued to shoot at both officers. Corporal Farmer, using controlled, accurate fire, was able to push the suspect back enough to pull Officer Snook to safety.

Corporal Farmer realizing the extent of Officer Snook’s injuries made the decision to transport Officer Snook to the hospital. With the suspect still loose, assisting officers pulled Officer Snook into a patrol car and Corporal Farmer drove to Swedish Hospital. It was later determined by hospital staff, had Corporal Farmer not made the decision to transport, Officer Snook would have likely died.

“I am extremely proud of the daily dedication and commitment of our officers, who continue to go above and beyond,” said police chief Doug Stephens. “To stand in the White House as the President of the United States recognized one of Littleton’s own was a humbling honor. It is a testament of the commitment, self-sacrifice, and bravery made by each of our officers daily. This great work by the Littleton Police Department is made possible by the continued support of the Littleton community.” 

The Medal of Valor is awarded annually by the President’s office to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

Officer being awarded Medal of ValorOfficer being awarded Medal of Valor

 

Tagged as: