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Life Saving Incident

03/05/2015
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia County
Philadelphia

On March 5, 2015, Sergeant Robert F. Wilson III was inside a North Philadelphia Game Stop store. He had gone to the store to conduct a routine security check and to buy his young son a gift. While inside the store, two brothers entered and announced a robbery. Apparently the robbers had not noticed Officer Wilson's presence or the patrol car parked out front. Despite being outnumbered, Sergeant Wilson immediately announced himself as a police officer then exchanged shots with the two robbers as he drew fire away from the customers and employees. Officer Wilson was struck three times during the shootout in which more than 50 shots were fired. After exiting the store the robbers were engaged in a shootout with Officer Wilson's partner who had remained in the patrol car. One of the subjects was wounded during the second shootout. Both suspects, later identified as career criminals with a lengthy history of convictions, were arrested. Personnel investigating the crime scene stated Sergeant Wilson's bravery and courage saved the lives of others inside the store. Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey was even more specific. After viewing surveillance video of the shootout Ramsey said, "I've been in policing for 46 years and I have never witnessed an act of bravery like I saw that day - never." Sergeant Wilson was mortally wounded during this incident.

The history of law enforcement in the United States is a long and wonderful history of bravery. This website is dedicated to documenting the heroic deeds of law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have either given or risked their lives to save others. There are many stories of bravery and heroism for many who are considered first responders. However, it is those in law enforcement who are most likely to be the first to arrive upon a location requiring life saving acts engaging dangerous hostage takers, running into burning buildings/vehicles, providing first aid to seriously injured victims, saving near drowning victims and much more are what the women and men of law enforcement do routinely and at many times, great peril to their own safety.
It is our mission to document the history of lives saved by those dedicated women and men in law enforcement. To share with others the dramatic deeds of those individuals who are the first, first responders. It is so important for our citizens to understand that law "enforcement" is not always about enforcing the law but rather being there when our citizens need us.
It is to this end we are dedicated to promoting documentation regarding the history of law enforcement and the lives they have saved.