ATLANTA — Atlanta police officers who risked their lives to save others were recognized Tuesday morning during the Atlanta Police Foundation’s annual Crime Is Toast breakfast.
The event brought together police officers, city leaders, business leaders, Mayor Andre Dickens and Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum at the Georgia World Congress Center to celebrate public safety achievements and recognize acts of extraordinary courage.
One of the ceremony’s highest honors, the Medal of Honor, went to Officer Nigel Roulhac for rescuing a man trapped inside a burning apartment building after an explosion last November.
Body camera video captured Roulhac entering the dangerous scene and bringing the victim to safety.
“There was someone still at the top, so I had to put my life on the line and do what I had to do,” Roulhac said. “It’s my job, so I didn’t hesitate.”
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The breakfast also included a public safety update from city leaders, who said overall crime in Atlanta is down 13% compared to the same time last year.
Police leaders also highlighted the department’s efforts during this summer’s FIFA World Cup, saying officers successfully handled the massive international event without major incidents.
“There was no public disorder on our streets, any of our streets,” Schierbaum said.
Another emotional moment came as Officer Malik Safi received the Purple Heart Award.
Safi was severely injured when his patrol car crashed into a home and caught fire while he was responding to assist another officer. Four people quickly rushed to help pull him from the burning vehicle, including brothers Keshawn Robinson and Ryan Beck.
The two men joined Safi on stage to receive civilian life-saving awards.
“For them to even be there, in that space at the right time, stepped in and intervened, it’s a blessing,” Safi said.
Several other officers were also recognized for life-saving actions.
Among them was a sergeant credited with saving a 3-year-old child who was choking.
Two Atlanta officers were also honored for their response to the shooting of a DeKalb County police officer outside the CDC.
Investigators said the officers pulled the wounded officer to safety, performed CPR, and rushed him to the hospital.
While the event highlighted individual acts of bravery, organizers said it was also an opportunity to thank the entire Atlanta Police Department for its service to the city.