Columbus Police hand out Medal of Valor

Columbus police honor five of their own, including the first ever Medal of Valor to Cpl. Michael Dahnke

BY ALAN RIQUELMY - ariquelmy@ledger-enquirer.com --

Mike Haskey

Corporal Michael Dahnke received the Medal of Valor Wednesday afternoon during an awards ceremony honoring the achievements of members of the Columbus Police Department. Photo/Mike Haskey. 05/07/08

• more photos from the ceremony

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The Columbus Police Department had never before awarded a Medal of Valor to one of its own.

That changed Wednesday, when those crowding a room at the Columbus Public Safety Center rose to their feet in honor of Cpl. Michael Dahnke, who received the honor at the annual employee recognition ceremony.

Dahnke, an eight-year veteran of the police department, was the second officer to reach Doctors Hospital on March 27 when he shot suspect Charles Johnston in the shoulder. Johnston, 63, is accused in the slayings of three men that day.

Police Chief Ricky Boren said Dahnke disregarded his personal safety when he stepped into the open to stop Johnston.

"I appreciate what you did that day, and the citizens appreciate what you did that day," the chief said.

The Officer of the Year award went to Sgt. Harvey Hatcher, a veteran of more than 20 years on the force. Hatcher is credited with linking Courtney Lockhart, the man accused of fatally shooting Auburn student Lauren Burk, with several robberies and assaults in Alabama and Georgia. He also helped catch a suspect in December connected to a month-long series of robberies and assaults in Columbus.

"I've got a booklet here of things Harvey has done," Boren said.

Hatcher echoed the words of Officer Patrick Knight, who was given the Purple Heart award.

"I'm just part of a great team," Hatcher said. "It's not just me."

Other awards include:

• Officer Alicia Hoover, the Meritorious Service Award.

• Officer Raymond Ogier, the Meritorious Service Award.

• Officer David Ellmer, the Meritorious Service Award.