HAPCOA congratulates Officer Michael Muniz of the San Antonio PD
for receiving a
Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor
On Monday, March 22, Deputy Attorney General James Comey honored recipients of the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor during a public ceremony at the Department of Justice. Among the six recipients of the Medal was Officer Michael Muniz of the San Antonio Police Department. The six recipients of the award represent fire, police and emergency medical services from across the nation. Prior to the ceremony, President Bush met with Officer Muniz and the other Medal of Valor recipients at the White House.
The Medal is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer, honoring outstanding heroic deeds performed above and beyond the call of duty. Officer Muniz responded to an emergency call regarding gun shots fired at a restaurant. Before receiving the call, three of his fellow officers had been seriously wounded by an armed suspect. When he arrived at the scene, the suspect, who was advancing toward the wounded officers, immediately turned his weapon on Muniz. Muniz was struck several times by the gun fire. Though wounded, Muniz drew his service weapon and returned fire, hitting the suspect. Both Muniz and the suspect continued to fire, while advancing toward each other, with multiple shots fired at point blank range. Muniz sustained four gun shot wounds before incapacitating his assailant.
The Medal, authorized by the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2001, is awarded by the President to public safety officers cited by the Attorney General. Public safety officers are nominated by the chiefs or directors of their employing agencies and recommended by the Medal of Valor Review Board. More information about the Board members can be found on www.ojp.usdoj.gov. Information about the award, including the design and image of the Medal of Valor and the application form can be found at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/medalofvalor.