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                  Obama Honors 13 Exceptional Police Officers

   by Zlatica Hoke

   President Barack Obama has awarded the nation's highest honor for law
   enforcement to 13 police officers who risked their lives to protect
   citizens. One of the recipients of the Public Safety Medal of Valor was
   killed in the line of duty.

   Obama said the 13 officers recognized Monday put themselves in harm's
   way to help save the lives of others.

   "If it had not been for their bravery, we likely would have lost a lot
   of people: mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends and loved ones,"
   said Obama.

   Obama stressed that these officers were in the place where they were
   most needed at the right time, but their actions went beyond the call
   of duty. A Philadelphia officer was killed when he entered a video game
   store and encountered two armed robbers there. He was awarded the medal
   posthumously.

   "They stood up to dangerous individuals brandishing assault rifles,
   handguns and knives. One officer sustained multiple stab wounds while
   fighting off an assailant. Another endured first degree burns to his
   arms and face while pulling an unconscious driver from a burning car on
   a freeway," said Obama.

   The president said the dedication of many law enforcement officers to
   their duty is not always recognized.

   "Not everyone will wear the medal that we give today, but everyday so
   many of our public safety officers wear a badge of honor," he said.

   Attorney General Loretta Lynch noted that some of the honorees were off
   duty when they were called into action.

   "I know that no words or medals can begin to repay the debt that we owe
   to these exceptional officers and to all of the policemen, the
   firefighters, federal agents, sheriffs and EMTs [emergency medical
   technicians] who go to incredible lengths to fulfill their oaths to
   protect and to serve the American people," said Lynch.

   The Public Safety Medal of Valor was established by President Bill
   Clinton in 2000 to recognize police officers, firefighters and other
   first responders for exceptional courage.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/obama-honors-13-exceptional-police-officers/3333517.html