Four deputies from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office were recently recognized for their extraordinary bravery and dedication to duty. These law enforcement officers were awarded the Minnesota Sheriffs Association (MSA) Medal of Honor, one of the highest distinctions a deputy can receive. The awards were presented at the MSA conference by Sheriff David P. Witt, as proudly announced on the sheriff's office's official Facebook page.

The date of April 10, 2024, is etched into the collective memory of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. What began as a routine arrest warrant service swiftly escalated into an intense and dangerous confrontation. A suspect armed with a rifle opened fire on the deputies, striking Deputy Chris Heihn. According to the social media post, Deputies Keith McNamara, Tyler Jacob, and Steve Tomasko were able to quickly respond and eventually stop the threat. Deputy Heihn's injuries were a stark reminder of the peril inherent in their line of work.

"These deputies have shown a commitment to their duty and to the citizens of Hennepin County and we are proud that they are part of the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office family," the Facebook post states. "Congratulations on a well-deserved award, Deputies."