Politics & Government

Florissant Officer Paralyzed in the Line of Duty Receives Purple Heart

Mayor Tom Schneider, Police Chief William Karabas and City Councilors honor Officer Mike Vernon and 10 officers' work for the Memorial Day shooting, burglary incident.

Officials, residents and media crowded into the Florissant City Council chambers Monday night for the honoring of

May 28, a dispatcher and approximately 10 officers of the department responded to a burglary alarm. While investigating the burglary, Officer Michael Vernon was shot three times by the suspect, according to police.

Monday night, Police Chief William Karabas awarded the chief’s commendations to the 10 officers and dispatchers who helped with the investigation as well as awarded the Purple Heart to Vernon for his bravery. Chief Karabas explained that the first Purple Heart was given in 1783, and it is given to injured or killed soldiers.

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One by one, City Clerk Karen Goodwin called up each officer and their work done on that day. The following officers were honored Monday night:

  • Dispatcher Elizabeth Allen
  • Officer Steve Johnson
  • Officer Mark Lorthridge
  • Officer Lori Bethmann
  • Officer Stan Arnold
  • Officer Shaun Kummer
  • Officer Jarrod Coder and K-9 Miko
  • Officer Amel Topcagic
  • Sgt. Richard Miller
  • Detective Mark Pounders
  • Detective David Rohlfing

Chief Karabas pinned Officer Michael Vernon with the Purple Heart award, while being saluted by his fellow officers.

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“The Purple Heart … it is an honor to wear the Purple Heart,” Vernon said. “Without these officers next to me, I wouldn’t be here.”

With injuries from the tragic day, Officer Vernon has been paralyzed, but Chief Karabas said that he’ll always be a member of the department.

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