Three Fort Smith police officers were given certificates of excellence for the manner in which they handled an incident on June 16 involving a man who had a narcotic-induced episode at a local convenience store.
Officer Tim Gossett, field-training officer Jeff Lum and officer in-training Lauren Hendricks were all presented with their certificates by Fort Smith Chief of Police Nathaniel Clark on Friday
The incident was captured by another Fort Smith man on Facebook video and the officers have drawn almost universal praise for their professionalism in a potentially volatile situation.
Gossett was the first officer on the scene and immediately and correctly evaluated the situation as the man having a narcotic-induced episode of delirium.
Rather than immediately rushing in and attempting to subdue the man, Gossett was able to position himself to able to protect other patrons while talking to the subject and awaiting back-up.
When the subject suddenly became more violent and began damaging property and running the risk of injuring himself, Gssett saw an opportunity to restrain thee suspect about the time officers Lum and Hendricks arrived on the scene.
Even as the man kicked officer Gossett in the head he maintained his demeanor and used just enough force to keep the subject restrained. The combined efforts of the three officers resulted in them restraining the man and getting him the medical attention he needed with minimal force and no injury.
All three officers were cited for their exemplary performance and “willingness to go the extra mile in their delivery of quality law enforcement services.”
