Concord Police officers awarded Medal of Valor by President Biden

CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) - Four Concord Police officers were awarded the Medal of Valor in Washington, D.C. Monday by President Joe Biden.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer. The medal is awarded annually by the President or Vice President to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.-Bureau of Justice Assistance

“The award is about the courage and self-sacrifice of those officers that night and it’s an exceptional example of the bravery and the valor that can be associated with what they did that night.  Nobody does those kinds of things for an award, but the recognition speaks volumes for the work our officers do day in and day out,” said Concord Police Major Todd McGhee.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland opened the ceremony and paid special tribute to Officer Shuping and his family for their sacrifice. “We know that nothing will ever be enough to recognize all that you have lost,” said Garland. He called the public safety officers gathered at the White House “true heroes” and thanked them for demonstrating to the country what true courage looks like by putting their own lives in danger to protect their community and fellow officers.

President Biden praised Concord’s police officers, along with all honorees, for their selflessness, unusual bravery, extraordinary heroism, and rare commitment to their neighbors and fellow Americans. “You’re the heart and soul and the very spine of this country and your communities,” said President Biden.

During the ceremony, President Biden publicly recognized the families of two honorees - fallen Concord Police Officer Jason Shuping, and fallen 2nd Lieutenant Jared Lloyd of Spring Valley, NY, Fire Department. He thanked public safety officers and their families for understanding what it takes to wear the badge and the risks they willingly assume to save and protect the communities they serve.

This year there were 1,500 applicants. Five recipients were chosen. The Concord officers were selected to receive this award for their courage during the events on December 16, 2020, and for Officer Jason Shuping’s sacrifice.

President Biden and Attorney General Garland presented Officer Paul Stackenwalt, former Officer Kaleb Robinson, Officer Kyle Baker, and posthumously Officer Jason Shuping (Haylee Shuping receiving for her husband Officer Jason Shuping) with the Medal of Valor on Monday.

“Fallen Officer Jason Shuping and Officers Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson of the Concord, North Carolina, Police Department engaged a suspect in a busy retail area who opened fire on the officers and took a woman hostage. The officers fired at the suspect to turn attention away from their colleagues and shielding each other with their own bodies – until they ended the threat. During the gunfight, Officer Shuping paid the ultimate sacrifice. All four men demonstrated courageous action in a volatile encounter with a gunman to protect the public,” the White House said in a released statement.

“Officers Shuping, Baker, Stackenwalt, and Robinson displayed incredible courage to protect our community,” said Rep. Richard Hudson. (R-08) “We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by Officer Shuping and his family. Today’s Medal of Valor awards will ensure his life and the actions of his colleagues that day receive the recognition they deserve. Police officers are facing threats like never before, but I am grateful for the service of brave law enforcement officers like Jason Shuping, Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson.”

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