Governor Mike Parson recently awarded Missouri Public Safety Medals to a total of 11 first responders and six civilians for heroic and live-saving actions during 2019. Three of the medal winners were involved in an incident which occurred in Winston, when an officer was assaulted by a prisoner that was being transported from Trenton.
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The Public Safety Civilian Partnership Award is awarded to a civilian who has provided valuable or courageous assistance to members of a Missouri public safety agency in an emergency situation. Jason C. Gamm, Rick L. Shannon and Wesley W. Teague were nominated by the Trenton Police Department for the actions they took to save the officer who was being assaulted.
On June 14, 2019, Trenton Police Department Officer Jasmine E. Diab was transporting a prisoner to a mental health evaluation. During the transport near Winston, the prisoner assaulted Officer Diab. Officer Diab was shot in the abdomen and the prisoner was shot in the hand during the struggle. The prisoner tried to take control of the vehicle and, positioned on top of the officer, attempted to drive away from the scene.
Officer Diab continued to fight the prisoner. Several passing civilian motorists realized the officer was in extreme danger. Jason Gamm and Rick Shannon heard one of the gunshots. Mr. Shannon retrieved a gun from his vehicle and gave it to Mr. Gamm. Mr. Gamm and Wesley Teague approached the rear of the police vehicle. Mr. Gamm carefully moved around the vehicle to the driver’s door and managed to pull the prisoner from the vehicle. The prisoner continued to fight. Mr. Teague then grabbed the prisoner’s legs with his arms, and Mr. Shannon assisted holding him on the ground. All three civilians held the prisoner until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody. Officer Diab was hospitalized and continues to recover. If not for the heroic actions of Mr. Gamm, Mr. Shannon, and Mr. Teague, who acted without concern for their own safety, Officer Diab might have been killed.
The awards represent the state’s highest recognition for first responders working as individuals and as members of a team during critical incidents. The civilians were honored for taking on harrowing risks during emergencies to save lives and support first responders.
“Each year, this award ceremony demonstrates the heroic, life-saving acts our first responders selflessly perform to protect their fellow Missourians,” Governor Parson said. “Today, we honored eleven law enforcement officers and firefighters who bravely risked their lives to save others. Their acts serve as an inspiration and reminder of the risk these public servants take on each and every day.”
“The citizens we honored today are also inspirational,” Governor Parson continued. “They willingly faced incredible dangers to protect law enforcement and members of the public. It was my honor to stand among these courageous Missourians.”