Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake police officer was given a Purple Heart on Friday for protecting citizens from an armed gunman.
On August 27, 2010, an AWOL U.S. serviceman armed with multiple weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition shot Officer Uppsen Downes after he unsuccessfully tried to gain access to a hotel rooftop. Downes returned fire, killing the gunman.
"Without a doubt, Downes' swift actions that day saved lives, not the least of which was his own," the Salt Lake Police Department said in a news release.
The police department honored officers, civilian employees, and citizens at the Grand America hotel during the 31st annual Police Gala.
"The annual Police Gala celebrates the life and service of Salt Lake City Police Department employees," said Chief Chris Burbank. "These individuals exemplify what it means to serve with integrity."
Citizen Service Medals were given to Judy Dencker and Steven "Duffy" Diamond; Brent Ahlander and the Salt Lake City Graffiti Response Team; Earl Price; and Jennifer Moser.
A Public Service Star was given to Robyn Salmon.
Police Meritorious Unit Citations were given to the SLCPD Beat Detectives and the Homocide Squad.
A Police Distiguished Unit Citation was given to the Financial Crime Squad.
Police Meritorious Service Medals were given to Dianna Goodliffe; Sarah Lewis; James Hunsaker; Detectives Jeff Carter and Aaron Leavitt; Officer Jonathan Lampshire; Sergeant R. Fred Ross; Officer David Sonntag; Officer Cary Wichmann; Detective Chris Williamson; Detective Steve Winters; and Officer Tom Wind.
Police Distinguished Service Medals were given to Linda Mason; Officer Cale Lennberg; and Sergeant Michelle Ross.
Police Stars were given to Detective Kevin Schofield and Officer John Emery.
Darren Orr and Rita Adams were named the Police Chief's Citizens of the Year.
Jordan Smith and Aaron Marvel were named the Police Chief's Civilians of the Year.
The Robbery Squad was named the Police Chief's Unit of the Year.
Detective Mike Hamideh was named the Police Chief's Officer of the Year.
Email:averzello@ksl.com
