Warren police officers, Officer David Chapman and Corporal Daniel Rose, have been honored with the prestigious Carnegie Medal of Heroism, North America's highest award for civilian acts of bravery.
Officer David Chapman and Corporal Daniel Rose are the only Michigan recipients of the Carnegie Medal of Heroism this year. They were recognized for their actions in rescuing an eight-year-old boy from the danger of a live 4,800-volt wire after a storm near McKinley Elementary School. Despite water flooding the area, the officers entered the hazardous zone to rescue the boy, whose brother had also been shocked while attempting to help. According to ClickOnDetroit, they opted not to wait for an ambulance and transported the boy directly to Ascension St. John Hospital, ensuring his survival.
Warren Mayor Lori M. Stone, during the commendation at Warren City Hall, noted the rarity and significance of the award, highlighting that mere 18 individuals were selected to receive the Carnegie Medal this year. Interim Police Commissioner Charles Rushton expressed the gravity of the situation, explaining, "What happened that day is as real as it gets. Life and death is a split second with a child’s life hanging in the balance," in a statement obtained by FOX 2 Detroit.
Chapman, reflecting on the essence of their profession, shared his gratitude, "This medal means everything to me." Corporal Rose, speaking to the broader community impact, conveyed, "I think it’s good for the community to see that we are out here, working hard and trying to save everybody," according to an interview by ClickOnDetroit.
In their moments of heroism, Chapman and Rose demonstrated the core responsibilities of serving and protecting. "No officer knows what comes, like, as every day comes you don't know what the day will bring," Chapman told WXYZ.
