Penn State Police Service Officers John A. Torres and William E. Wagner have been awarded Performance Recognition Certificates for excellence in the performance of their duties and for their heroic efforts at the beginning of the standoff situation in Nittany Apartments on Penn State's University Park campus on Sunday, Oct. 21.
"We wanted to recognize officers Torres and Wagner for their heroic actions, quick thinking and tactically sound response in what was a confusing, hectic, highly charged and quickly deteriorating situation," said Steve Shelow, director of University Police. "After discovering the individual with the gun, both officers put themselves in harm's way to try to get innocent bystanders out of the apartment. I have no doubt that their work saved lives, and felt that their courageous action and exemplary conduct was deserving of this special recognition."
At that point, the two acted quickly amidst the confusion and shouting occurring at the time. They cleared the apartment of all occupants except the person who was holding the weapon, who barricaded himself in one of the apartment's bedrooms for what became a standoff that lasted nearly eight and a half hours.
"We indeed are very fortunate to have a highly professional police force -- among the best in the country. They showed the highest level of professionalism and valor during this tragic incident, and by their quick actions were able to bring others out of the apartment and to safety," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "It's important to recognize these officers, whose lives were at risk during this standoff."
In addition, Assistant Director Tyrone Parham, Police Supervisors Edward Delaney, Thomas Sowerby and Jason Zajac, and Police Service Officers Ellen Aschenbrenner, Frank Ball, Brian Bittner, David Bjorkman, Stephanie Brooks, Aaron Ciambotti, Dirk Clouse, Anne Grego Randy Hoffman, Franie McClellan, Thomas Quinn, Samuel Ricciotti, Donald Reed, Ryan Rodgers, Brian Rose, Roxanne Snider, Raymond Trexler, Christine Vile and Matthew White, as well as Police Dispatcher/Recorder Mark Baney and Police Dispatchers Michael Eirich and James Millinder, have been awarded a Director's Commendation for outstanding performance of their duties during the course of the incident.
"Their actions exemplified teamwork, extraordinary patience, sharp tactical skills, a willingness to report off-duty to contribute, and profound determination," Shelow said. "As a result of the unified efforts of all these University Police personnel, a barricaded gunman incident was resolved without any police officers or citizens being harmed. While the incident had a tragic ending, I strongly believe that all personnel involved performed at an extremely high level while demonstrating professionalism and just what it means to be a University Police employee at Penn State."
Added Spanier, "While we're making special note of the extraordinary efforts these men and women made during this difficult time, it's also important to recognize the work that they and all Penn State Police officers do on a daily basis to keep our residents, employees and visitors to our campus safe. We sincerely thank them all."