Slocum

Other

8/21/2011

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

On August 21, 2011 at 5:09 p.m., Officer Jarred Slocum and his trainee partner along with other El Cajon Police Department patrol units were dispatched to a possible shooting call. Unbeknown to the responding officers, a suspect had shot and killed his mother-in-law and 14-month old daughter. Upon arriving on scene, officers saw that the residence was on fire. The suspect had armed himself with a handgun and was hiding out of view on the front porch. As Officer Slocum approached the burning structure, he used the cover of vehicles in an attempt to avoid being struck by possible gunfire. The suspect then began firing his handgun and Officer Slocum was shot in the head. Although seriously injured, Officer Slocum was able to return gunfire forcing the suspect to retreat into the residence. Officer Slocum remained composed and focused and continued to cover the suspect’s residence for the safety of his fellow officers and citizens. Officer Slocum was then able to remove himself from the immediate threat to an area where he could receive medical assistance. Officer Slocum’s exemplary “will to survive” during this violent encounter allowed him to remain courageous and calm in the face of extreme danger.