President Joseph R. Biden awarded the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor to four Concord Police Officers during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Monday. The Medal of Valor is the highest award a president can bestow on a public safety officer. The award was presented to Officer Paul Stackenwalt, Officer Kyle Baker, former Officer Kaleb Robinson, and posthumously to Officer Jason N. Shuping for their acts of extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.
The Concord officers were recognized for their courageous actions to protect the public during the events of December 16, 2020, when they responded to a vehicle crash and a suspect opened fire at a busy retail area. During exchange of gunfire, Officer Jason N. Shuping made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his community.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland opened the ceremony and paid special tribute to Officer Shuping and his family for their sacrifice. “We know that nothing will ever be enough to recognize all that you have lost,” said Garland. He called the public safety officers gathered at the White House “true heroes” and thanked them for demonstrating to the country what true courage looks like by putting their own lives in danger to protect their community and fellow officers.
President Biden praised Concord’s police officers, along with all honorees, for their selflessness, unusual bravery, extraordinary heroism, and rare commitment to their neighbors and fellow Americans. “You’re the heart and soul and the very spine of this country and your communities,” said President Biden.
During the ceremony, President Biden publicly recognized the families of two honorees - fallen Concord Police Officer Jason Shuping and fallen 2nd Lieutenant Jared Lloyd of Spring Valley, NY, Fire Department. He thanked public safety officers and their families for understanding what it takes to wear the badge and the risks they willingly assume to save and protect the communities they serve.
The full Medal of Valor ceremony is available on the White House YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/0kzUNEu2Cmg. For more information on the Medal of Valor, visit the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance website at https://bja.ojp.gov/program/medalofvalor.
