DETROIT — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan honored six first responders with the Department of Justice’s Hometown Hero Award for what officials described as exceptional bravery during two separate critical incidents.

The honorees include Michigan Conservation Officer Luke Robare and Grand Blanc Township Police Officer Jason Carpentier, along with members of the Temple Israel Security Team, according to a June 11 U.S. Attorney’s Office release.

DOJ says officers ran toward gunfire to stop a threat

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Robare and Carpentier were recognized for composure, courage and bravery during the September 28, 2025, response to an active-shooter attack at the Jesus Christ House of Latter-Day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

According to the release, the officers were among the first responders at the scene and ran toward gunfire in a parking lot as members of the congregation fled. DOJ said their actions helped end the threat and prevent additional loss of life.

“These brave men answered the call without hesitation,” U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. said in the release.

The release says four people were killed and eight more were injured in the church attack. ThinBlueNews is not adding suspect details or investigative claims beyond the official release.

Security team also recognized for protecting worshipers

DOJ also recognized the Temple Israel Security Team for actions during a separate targeted attack in which a vehicle was driven into the synagogue, according to the release.

Officials said the security team acted to stop the attacker and stood between the threat and people inside the building, including children and teachers nearby at the time.

The Hometown Hero award is tied to the Department of Justice’s Freedom 250 initiative, which recognizes service, courage, leadership and civic responsibility ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.

Why this story matters for Support Law Enforcement readers

This is a real-photo recognition lane rather than a generic hero graphic: named public-safety responders, a named police department and conservation officer, a public DOJ ceremony photo, and an official source describing why they were honored.

For communities that only see the aftermath of critical incidents, the award is also a reminder of the seconds when police officers and security teams move toward danger so others can get away from it.

Sources reviewed

Editorial note: ThinBlueNews used the official DOJ release and source photo, attributed all claims directly, avoided graphic imagery and victim identification, and did not create any AI-generated church, synagogue, officer or incident scene.