U.S. Postal Inspector Honored As Recipient Of The Congressional Badge Of Bravery

U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale joined Director of the U.S. Marshals Service Donald W. Washington, United States Marshal of the Western District of Oklahoma Johnny Kuhlman, and Congressmembers Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Tom Cole (OK-04), in recognition of the acts of bravery displayed by U.S. Postal Inspector Brian Hess and Deputy U.S. Marshals Callen Stephens, Jermaine Vaugh, and Travis Sutterfield on May 17, 2018, during a dangerous shootout with a wanted fugitive in Noble, Oklahoma.

On that day, Postal Inspector Hess and the Deputy U.S. Marshals, who were all part of the United States Marshals Service Metro Fugitive Task Force, located a wanted fugitive in his vehicle. The task force attempted a felony vehicle stop on the fugitive, who fled at high-speed. The fugitive then stopped his vehicle on a road, exited the vehicle holding an AR-15 style rife, and began rapidly shooting at the task force members. One of U.S. Marshals suffered multiple injuries but was able to return fire. Even though their lives were in imminent danger, the task force officers continued to engage with the fugitive until he was incapacitated. Medical care was immediately provided to the fugitive. After the firefight, officers searched the fugitive and the vehicle and discovered a Glock 9mm with two 30-round magazines and an improvised device.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a law enforcement officer. Given the direct gunfire sustained by the task force officers and the danger the general community faced with the lethal weapons in the fugitive’s possession, Postal Inspector Hess and his colleagues prevented a potentially catastrophic event.

Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale said, “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is proud of the heroism exhibited by Postal Inspector Brian Hess and the three U.S. Marshals honored today with the Congressional Badge of Bravery. We are proud to salute them for the exceptional work they demonstrated under pressure. Postal Inspector Hess exemplifies the character of Postal Inspectors across our organization and their steadfast commitment of serving the public and ensuring their safety and well-being, as well as that of their fellow officers.”

For more information on the incident, please visit: https://bja.ojp.gov/program/badgeofbravery/recipients/2018/stephensvaughn-sutterfield-hess

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