Video: Officers Honored By Tupelo Police Department For Bravery, Sacrifice

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI) — Medals honoring the sacrifices of two officers have been created by the Tupelo Police Department.

This afternoon , Officer Joseph Maher was given the Tupelo Police Department Purple Heart. Sergeant Gale Stauffer’s widow, Beth, accepted the TPD Medal of Honor. Sergeant Stauffer was gunned down by a bank robber December 23rd, while Officer Maher was shot in the head and is recovering.

The medals were created to honor the two officers. In the future the medals will be given to officers who are injured in tactical situations.

“It just goes to show that people recognize the sacrifices that each and every officer makes , not just myself and Sergeant Stauffer made, but every officer that’s out on the streets everyday and it’s an honor and privilege to get recognized,” Officer Maher said.

“This is one way we can deal with these internal wounds and help us get over this hurdle is by this award program,” said TPD Chief Bart Aguirre.

The medals were presented during an assembly of TPD officers.