HOUSTON – A Houston Police Department sergeant was the first officer in the city to receive the Medal of Valor from President Joe Biden on Wednesday.
Kendrick Simpo was honored at the White House for his heroic actions, along with eight other people.
In Feb. 2022, he was working a second job as a security officer at the Galleria and heard that an armed man was in the building while a children’s dance competition was happening. Simpo said the kids were 10 years old or younger.
‘True heroism’: Biden honors 9 with Medal of Valor including 2 NYPD cops killed during 911 call
Another security officer saw the man going into the mall and called it over the air. The two officers then headed toward the man.
When Simpo saw the suspect, he noticed the man had a mask on with spikes and a rifle. The sergeant jumped into action, tackled the man and disarmed him. The suspect was arrested and had more than 120 rounds of ammunition and a handgun.
HPD sergeant praised for his heroic actions
“I was able to just get close enough and I just ran full speed at him, reaching for that rifle. When I grabbed and snatched it, the rifle started pointing toward my legs and my body. Everything went into slow motion and I just pretty much thought, hey, I’m going to get shot. It’s going to hurt but I have to stay in this fight at the end of the day,” Simpo said.
HPD Police Chief Troy Finner said on Wednesday he is proud of the sergeant.
“His courageous action exemplifies the dedication of every person in the Houston Police Department and the mission to protect and serve the whole community,” he said.
Simpo was excited to receive the award and shared the spotlight with his fellow officers.
“This is for the 5,200 Houston police officers. I may be the first officer from Houston to receive this great award, but more will follow. I am proud of the recognition. This award shines on our department and the many dedicated officers that work there. You lead first by example and that’s me. I lead by example. I wouldn’t want my guys to do anything I wouldn’t do first,” Simpo said.
After Simpo’s story went viral in 2022, he said many people on social media praised him.
“I’m very happy for all the positivity everybody is sending in and just being a Houston police officer,” Simpo previously told Houston Life.
The Medal of Valor is the United States’ biggest award a public safety officer can receive for bravery.
Two New York Police Department officers who died in the line of service also received a medal. A third officer from New York, a Colorado police officer, an Ohio sheriff’s deputy and three New York City firefighters were also honored.