Officer

Other

5/10/2011

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

On May 10, 2011, at 5:50 p.m., Officer Zachariah Fishell was on routine patrol driving his marked police unit through a bustling Riverside residential neighborhood. Suddenly, Officer Fishell heard gunshots and within ninety-seconds he located the origin of the gunfire. One victim had already been shot and as concerned neighbors stood in their yards, Officer Fishell found the “active shooter” suspect who was still firing his weapon. Officer Fishell could not wait for assistance and he courageously approached the house where he could see the suspect shooting a second victim who lay prone on the ground. Officer Fishell immediately engaged the active shooter suspect and fired his service revolver at the suspect who then stopped his deadly attack on the second victim. The suspect hid behind a large truck in an attempt to find out where the single shot had come from. Officer Fishell continued to advance the suspect who crossed the street and was running towards residential homes. Officer Fishell believed the active shooter suspect would enter one of the houses and continue his deadly attacks against additional innocent residents. Although still thirty yards away, Officer Fishell fired three rounds and mortally wounded the advancing suspect. Tragically, both shooting victims died at the scene.

Officer Fishell’s heroic actions reflected one of law enforcement’s fundamental duties which call upon officers to protect the peaceful against violence and disorder.