AL HR257

Recognizes Officer Dedrick Echols of the Birmingham Police Department as a nominee for the 2013 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement.

Officer Echols is a five-year veteran of the Birmingham Police Department who responded to an armed hostage situation at St. Vincent's Hospital on December 15, 2012.

On arrival, Officer Echols and four other South Precinct officers encountered an active shooter on the 5th Floor who opened fire, wounding two hospital employees and one officer before being stopped.

The officers' quick actions and disregard for personal safety prevented additional casualties and averted a potential tragedy involving many innocent lives.

The House of Representatives directs that Officer Echols receive a copy of this resolution as evidence of their admiration and esteem.