Fort Walton Beach Police Detective Collin Savoie will receive the Medal of Valor and the Life Saving Award for his actions during an armed mental health crisis on Oct. 14, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department announced.
- Police Chief Robert Bage will present both awards at the City Council meeting Tuesday, Nov. 17, according to the department news release.
The Medal of Valor is one of the department’s highest honors for bravery. According to the release, it recognizes an officer who protects life in the face of great personal danger.
On Oct. 14, officers responded to Miracle Strip Parkway SW after reports of a man in a vehicle wearing a tactical vest and holding a rifle. Savoie took command of the scene and positioned himself only feet from the armed man, closer than any other officer, with limited cover, according to the department. Police said he never backed away.
Savoie spoke with the man first by voice and then by cellphone. The man was a U.S. Army veteran in crisis, and Savoie, also an Army veteran, connected with him through their shared service, the release states.
- While building rapport, Savoie also directed other units over the radio and coordinated the evacuation of the nearby building, police said.
The man placed his weapons on the passenger seat. Savoie then left cover and approached on foot while the weapons were still within reach, making direct contact with the man, according to the department. The man surrendered peacefully, and no one was injured. Police said he was connected with mental health and veterans’ resources.
“Our officers train in ICAT, the Police Executive Research Forum’s de-escalation model, so we can protect every life, including the life of a person in crisis,” Bage said. “Detective Savoie put that training to work while standing just feet from a man with a rifle, with very little between them. I am proud to recognize both his courage and his compassion.”
The department first reported the incident Oct. 14 but did not identify the officer at that time. The department has since released a redacted video of the incident.
The awards will be presented at the Regular Council meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 107 Miracle Strip Parkway SW. The meeting is open to the public.
According to the department, veterans in crisis, and anyone worried about one, can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988.
