May 12, 2009

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today met with three Las Vegas police officers who received honorable mention in the Top Cops awards given by the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). The Top Cops Award was created to pay tribute to outstanding law enforcement officers across the country for actions above and beyond the call of duty. "We are fortunate to have you to protecting us," Reid told the Nevada officers.

Reid met with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department honorees, Sergeant Steve Custer, Officer Blake Penny and Officer Christian Jackson.

In June 2008, Las Vegas Metro received a call of shots fired at a gentleman’s club and the suspect reportedly fled in a black Hummer.  Officer Penny spotted the vehicle, attempted to pull it over and when the driver refused to stop Officer Penny pursued until the driver lost control, flipping the vehicle end-over-end bringing it to a stop.  Officer Penny approached the vehicle and was shot in the leg by the suspect. Penny returned fire and the suspect fell back into the vehicle. Sergeant Custer and Officer Jackson arrived shortly thereafter; they pulled Penny into the patrol car and administered first aid. Jackson drove Penny to the hospital while Custer covered the Hummer until SWAT arrived. SWAT approached the vehicle and discovered the suspect had died due to gunshot wounds received from Penny.

“This week the National Association of Police Organizations is honoring these brave officers with the Top Cops award, a tribute given to just a select few of the countless men and women who each year go above and beyond the call of duty," Reid said today on the Senate floor. Addressing the officers and their families, Reid said, "Nevadans and Americans everywhere thank you for your service and your sacrifice."

For Senator Reid's complete remarks honoring Nevada's Top Cops, click here.