Detroit Police Officer James R. Pierce was presented with a Medal of Valor, along with four co-workers, for heroism during a police run on June 24.
The officers were given the citations during the 2014 Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony on Dec. 3 honoring City of Detroit First Responders at the Grand Riverview Ballroom at Cobo Center.
The Police Department awards were presented by Detroit Police Chief James E. Craig.
On June 24, 2014, at about 7 p.m., Eighth Precinct Police Officers Jason Kite, James Pierce, Brandon Catlin, Johnny Strickland, and Eric Blackwell responded to a police run to Braile, for “family trouble, person armed with a weapon,” Chief Craig read at the awards ceremony.
“Upon arrival, Officers Kile, Pierce, and Catlin remained at the front of the house while Officers Strickland and Blackwell positioned themselves at the rear. In an attempt to make contact with someone inside, Officer Kile knocked on the door several times but received no response.
“While at the location, a family relative pulled up and informed the officers that her mother and two sisters were inside of the home and were being held against their will, by an armed suspect. She stated that her sister called her on a cell phone and informed her of what was happening.
“Based on the information provided, Officer Kile requested a supervisor to the location and advised dispatch that he was going to force-enter the residence. Officers Pierce and Catlin followed Officer Kile through the front door, while Officers Strickland and Blackwell remained at the rear of the house, to prevent escape of the suspect.
“Once inside, the officers located the three females and the armed suspect. The officers immediately took the suspect into custody and recovered a .38 caliber blue steel revolver.
“The heroic actions of the officers displayed an element of courage and bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Their actions undoubtedly prevented the death and serious injury to themselves and others.
“The Detroit Police Department is a model of sustained policing excellence that places our neighborhoods and people first,” said Chief Craig.
Officer Pierce also has awards for Officer of the Year, Meritorious Achievement, and four citations for Exemplar Service.
Officer Pierce is the son of Sumpter Township Police Chief James Pierce, Jr. and Regina Pierce.
Detroit Police Officer James R. Pierce