Police Department recognizes officers’ valor

Las Vegas police officer Beaumont Hopson was in a bathroom at a southwest valley Walmart, about to go to his patrol car for paperwork in a seemingly routine call in September.

When he heard gunfire, he sprang into action.

Hopson entered the shopping area of the Walmart Super­Center, on Rainbow Boulevard near Spring Mountain Road. A man was running with a gun drawn toward where Hopson thought other officers were standing.

Hopson fired seven or eight rounds, striking the man once or twice, he said.

On Sept. 9, 2011, at about 4:30 a.m., Hopson was one of several officers who responded to the Walmart to investigate a suspicious couple trying make a large purchase with a fraudulent bank card.

He had no way of knowing the officers' presence would turn into a firefight inside the store that left the suspect dead and an officer injured.

"You just never know where this job is going to take you from day to day, second to second," Hopson said Wednesday afternoon.

He was one of more than three dozens officers honored during the Metropolitan Police Department's Commendation Ceremony.

The ceremony was held at Las Vegas police headquarters on Martin Luther King Boulevard near Alta Drive.

Hopson was one of five officers to receive the agency's "highest honor," the Medal of Valor, for their actions inside the Walmart.

Also honored was officer Michael Ramirez, who was shot three times in the firefight. Ramirez said he was shot in the bicep, chest and forearm. The chest shot was stopped by his bulletproof vest.

On Wednesday, he said he was close to returning to patrol duty, but that doctors haven't cleared him yet because he still has numbness in his left hand. He also has trouble gripping that hand with the same strength as before he was shot.

Ramirez also received a Purple Heart, not only for being shot on duty, but for continuing to shoot at the suspect after he had been hit to protect those inside the store.

Ramirez credited his training and his colleagues for protecting him that day.

"If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here," Ramirez said. "I'm vertical and I'm breathing, so I can't complain."

Other officers given Medals of Valor that day included officer John Abel, officer Corey Staheli and officer David Williams.

A group of two sergeants and 11 officers who responded to the shooting were awarded with the Unit Meritorious Award for providing additional security and safely evacuating the Walmart in the aftermath of the shootings. They were also credited with preserving the crime scene.

Killed in the gunbattle was 25-year-old Marc Hull. More than one officer's bullet struck Hull.

Hull began shooting at officers after officers approached the couple. Officer Abel patted down the suspect for weapons. When he reached for Hull's waistband, Hull knocked his hand away and pulled his gun. He began firing.

Hull then ran through the store before he was fatally shot about a minute later, an officer said.

After the shooting, it was discovered that Hull had a back tattoo depicting a man putting a police officer in a choke hold and placing a gun to his head.

Other officers were also honored Wednesday.

Some of them were recognized for their involvement in a program to teach children the dangers of drinking and driving; for saving the life of a 10-year-old boy suffering an asthma attack and for saving the life of a man who wanted to commit suicide.

Sheriff Doug Gillespie said it was a privilege to stand before his officers and tell them, "Job well done."

"They put themselves in harm's way," he said. "They go above and beyond the call of duty to make this community safe."

Contact reporter Antonio Planas at aplanas@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4638.