End of Watch: Creek County Deputy Adam Heitman Dies After K-9 Arrest Operation
Creek County Deputy Adam Heitman, 38, died after a medical emergency following a K-9 arrest operation in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, officials said.
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Columbus Police Officer Gloria West Honored as Hometown Hero for Burning Truck Rescue
Columbus Division of Police Officer Gloria West was honored with a DOJ Hometown Hero Award after pulling a trapped driver from a burning truck on I-71 in November 2024, suffering second-degree burns to her hands.
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Woodbridge Police Officer Saves 5-Day-Old Infant From Choking
Woodbridge Police Officer Nicholas Samartino responded to a residence and saved a 5-day-old choking infant using back blows and suctioning in late May 2026.
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University Circle Officer Receives National Life Saving Award After De-escalating Same Crisis Two Days in a Row
University Circle Patrol Officer Joe Fazio received the American Police Hall of Fame Life Saving Award after building rapport and safely de-escalating the same individual in crisis on two consecutive days in January 2026, according to WKYC.
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Coast Guard Rescues 2 After Fishing Vessel Capsizes Off Oahu
A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 crew rescued two men after a 12-foot fishing vessel capsized offshore Oahu, according to DVIDS.
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Top 5 Good Police Stories This Week: Hot-Car Save, Marine Rescue and Fire Response
This week’s ThinBlueNews Top 5 Good Police Stories roundup features source-backed rescues and recognition from Bexar County, St. Lucie County, Leesburg, Blue Mound and Clearwater.
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End of Watch Anniversary Memorial: Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
ThinBlueNews remembers Police Officer Jamieson Ritter of the Cleveland Division of Police on the anniversary of his End of Watch, July 4, 2024.
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Officer Recognition & Police Heroism
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Oakland Police Air Support Guides Patrol Officers to Stranded Hiker on Steep Hillside
Oakland Police air support located a woman stranded on a steep hillside near Leona Heights Park and guided five patrol officers to her for a coordinated rescue.
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Orange Police Corporal Saves 7-Month-Old Choking on Hair Clip, Receives Life Saving Medal
Orange Police Corporal Greggory Cates was awarded the Life Saving Medal after responding to a call and saving a 7-month-old girl who was choking on a hair clip in January 2026, bodycam footage captured the rescue.
Read story Columbus Police Officer Gloria West Honored as Hometown Hero for Burning Truck Rescue
Columbus Division of Police Officer Gloria West was honored with a DOJ Hometown Hero Award after pulling a trapped driver from a burning truck on I-71 in November 2024, suffering second-degree burns to her hands.
Read story Woodbridge Police Officer Saves 5-Day-Old Infant From Choking
Woodbridge Police Officer Nicholas Samartino responded to a residence and saved a 5-day-old choking infant using back blows and suctioning in late May 2026.
Read story Respectful remembrance
End of Watch Tributes
Remembering fallen officers with verified, careful, dignified coverage and a commitment to respectful language for families, agencies, and communities.
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Lowndes County Lt. Herb Bennett Honored as Hometown Hero With K-9 Thanos
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia honored Lowndes County Lt. Herb Bennett, a national champion K-9 handler with K-9 Thanos, as a Hometown Hero.
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Union County Sheriff’s Office Places Newly Certified K-9 Kona Into Service
The Union County Sheriff's Office said K-9 Kona has completed certification and entered service after being donated to the agency in 2024.
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Pasadena Police Honor Retiring K-9 Edo and Welcome New Tracking Dog Seeka
Pasadena Police honored retiring K-9 Edo after more than seven years of service and welcomed K-9 Seeka, who is training for tracking and trailing work.
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