2018 Officer of the Year

Police Lifesaving Medal recipient Brent Kendall was selected as the 2018 Officer of the Year. On May 14, 2018, a Metro Area Fugitive Task Force developed information that a wanted robbery suspect was located at a residence. When the Task Force arrived on scene they requested uniformed officers to assist. Sergeant Kendall heard the request and proceeded to the scene to assist, both as a supervisor and department negotiator. Sergeant Kendall established phone contact with the suspect and within minutes was able to talk him into exiting the residence. The suspect exited with a large, self-inflicted cut on his neck. Kendall requested an OFD Squad on stand-by, but they had not arrived yet. He retrieved his personal emergency kit and utilized a pressure dressing to keep the wound closed, controlled the bleeding, and monitored the suspect for nearly 10 minutes until the Squad arrived. The suspect was transported to Bergan Mercy with life threatening injuries and underwent immediate surgery to save his life. Sergeant Kendall’s quick-thinking actions saved a life and, for his excellent police work and leadership abilities, he was awarded the Police Lifesaving Medal. For his heroic efforts, he was also honored as the 2018 Officer of the Year.