Featured News
Officer Lorin Johnston
IBPO Member Honored with TOP COP Award
May 14, 2012
Lorin Johnston, a police officer from Chattanooga, Tennesee’s IBPO Local 673, was among the officers honored as a TOP COP at this year’s awards ceremony on May 12, during National Police Week.
“Words can’t describe the kind of courage and loyalty Officer Johnston displayed under such terrible circumstances,” said David J. Holway, IBPO national president. “We are grateful for his service and very pleased that NAPO has recognized him with such an honor.”
Officer Johnston and several other officers were responding to a silent alarm at a Chattanooga pawn shop one morning in April 2011. When they arrived, the suspect immediately opened fire on them. Although Officer Johnston was wearing his vest, he was struck by a bullet in the middle of the back.
The suspect tried to exit the shop through a side door. Sgt. Tim Chapin, Johnston’s close friend, was waiting outside in his patrol car. The suspect fired straight through the windshield. Sgt. Chapin accelerated his patrol car and knocked the suspect down. The suspect dropped his .45-caliber Glock and a loaded ammunition clip.
Sgt. Chapin jumped out of the car and chased the suspect, assuming that the suspect was now unarmed. Suddenly, the suspect produced another weapon, turned, and fired. Sgt. Chapin was killed instantly by a bullet to the head. Officer Johnston came on the scene just as his friend fell. While two other officers chased and subdued the suspect, Johnston knelt over his friend to protect him until help arrived. Only when he received medical treatment himself did Officer Johnston realize he had taken a second gunshot to the leg.
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