Officer Timothy Greene, Rock Hill, SC: On March 18, 2005, a citizen flagged down Officer Timothy Greene of the Rock Hill, S.C., Police Department to report a bank robbery. Upon his arriving at the bank, employees identified the fleeing suspect's vehicle, which Officer Greene stopped. The suspect, however, exited the vehicle and fired at least six rounds from a semi-automatic pistol at Greene, injuring him and shattering his patrol car windshield. Greene pursued the suspect, provided details of the event and gave directions to other responding officers in spite of suffering cuts and abrasions to his face and having been shot at least 20 times before the suspect was finally overpowered. Officer Greene maintained exceptional composure, presence of mind, and concern for the officers assisting him throughout the incident.

Firefighter Edward F. Henry, Charleston, SC: On April 24, 2005, Firefighter Edward F. Henry of the city of Charleston, S.C., Fire Department responded to a house fire. Occupants fleeing the building told Henry that people were still inside. Henry entered the house without the protection of a hose team, and battling thick smoke and flames, made his way upstairs where he found a victim lying on the floor. Unable to use the stairs, he broke two windows and lifted the victim out to be rescued by ladder. He then took off his mask and gave it to the victim, who with help from other firefighters, climbed down the 35-foot ladder to safety. After ensuring the victim was safe, Henry checked his air supply and re-entered the house to continue his search for additional victims. Firefighter Henry showed little regard for his safety that day in his dedication to protect and save others.

Officer Bryan S. Hurst, Columbus, OH: On January 6, 2005, Officer Bryan S. Hurst of the Columbus, Ohio, Police Department was working uniformed special duty at a bank when a masked gunman entered. Hurst and the gunman exchanged fire, which wounded the suspect in the arm and the hand. The gunman managed to lean over the teller's counter, which Hurst was using for cover, and shot him in the chest just above his body armor. In spite of receiving a mortal wound, Hurst maneuvered around the counter and fired at the suspect before he collapsed. Authorities apprehended the gunman several days later when he sought medical attention at a hospital in Washington, D.C. Officer Hurst's quick action, exceptional courage, and persistence protected the lives of the many people at the bank.

Officer Peter Alfred Koe, Indianapolis, IN: On August 18, 2004, Officer Peter Alfred Koe of the Indianapolis, Ind., Police Department received information over the radio that several fellow officers had been shot, one fatally, by a rampaging gunman. Koe and other officers went immediately to the scene, where Koe was shot by a hidden gunman. He suffered a leg wound while glass and debris struck him in the face and body. Out of concern for the safety of the other wounded officers, Koe advanced on the gunman, exchanging gunfire at close range and effectively subduing him. Even after the event, Koe directed medical responders to attend to his fellow officers while minimizing his critical wounds. Officer Koe showed remarkable composure and control while protecting his fellow officers.

Battalion Chief Gene F. Large, Jr., Fort Walton Beach, FL: On April 7, 2005, Battalion Chief Gene F. Large, Jr. of the Fort Walton Beach, Fla., Fire Department was dispatched to assist in an ocean surf rescue. Three firefighters and a sheriff's deputy were attempting to rescue a swimmer caught in a rip current among six- to-eight foot waves, which had pulled all five away from shore. Neither the Coast Guard nor the fire rescue craft were able to attempt a rescue in the high waves. Two of the rescuers were losing consciousness from cold and exhaustion. Large swam a rescue board--a maneuver not usually attempted in such rough seas--and instructed the five to lock arms while holding on to the board. Large was able to break the rip current's hold and maneuver the five safely to shore by coordinating their kicking to work with the waves. Large's quick thinking and exceptional courage, while exposing himself to great risk, saved five people whose lives were at grave risk.