Various Renton Police Department officers were recognized for their efforts including saving a life, responding to an active shooter, and a situation where an officer talked down a barricaded subject who said he wanted to initiate a lethal situation.

At the Renton City Council regular meeting March 17, RPD Chief Jon Schuldt presented the life-saving medal and meritorious service awards, celebrated a promotion, and honored the employee of the year.

According to Schuldt, the life-saving medal is awarded to officers who save the life of another person. The meritorious service medal is awarded for outstanding performance of duty on a single occasion or over a period of time, while notwithstanding any consideration of their own safety.

Officers Tyler Edier, Javier Raygoza and Lacey Smith earned the life-saving award when, on July 12, 2024, at 2:06 a.m., they were dispatched to an illegal discharge. Schuldt said the officers immediately began assessing the victim for injuries — locating wounds to his chest, hip and arm before starting treatment while they awaited medics.

Schuldt said the officer’s actions undoubtedly saved the victim’s life.

“Their diligent search, immediate medical care, while conducting a criminal investigation, enabled medics and doctors the opportunity to perform higher-level life-saving efforts,” Schuldt said. “The victim did survive his injuries.”

The first meritorious service award was presented to officers Dave Adam, Tyler Ediger, Jon Selber and Sgt. Jon Selbert. On July 14, 2024, they responded to an active shooter at an apartment complex. Schuldt said a male was moving through the hallways and courtyard, shooting a handgun.

According to Schuldt, officers deployed teams to search the complex, locate the subject, and detain him. Schuldt said the subject appeared to be in a mental health crisis, and after mental health services attempted to help him, he lost consciousness, and officers administered aid until medics took over.

The last meritorious service award was presented to Officer Blake Bowie, who on Nov. 27 at about 7:19 p.m., reported to a domestic violence incident between a son and a mother. According to Schuldt, the mother said her son was suffering from mental health issues. The son was intoxicated, armed with a knife and was threatening her. She said her son stated that he wanted to harm officers to initiate a lethal confrontation with officers.

Schuldt said the mother was extracted while Bowie kept an eye on the suspect through a window. Schuldt said the suspect brandished knives and then advised officers to shoot him.

Schuldt said for two hours, Bowie spoke with the suspect while his emotions were in constant turmoil, at one point putting the knife to his own throat. Schuldt said Bowie convinced the suspect to surrender peacefully.

Officer Quint Tibeau was promoted to sergeant. Schuldt shared how Tibeau played basketball and football with a group of children and how he carried a ball pump to inflate kids’ sports balls.

Detective Kevin Lane was voted the employee of the year by the Chief’s Advisory Committee. Schuldt said his initiative in developing a new vehicle pursuit procedure was particularly noteworthy.

“I’d like to emphasize that it’s incredibly humbling for me to have the honor of working with amazing men and women of the RPD that are dedicated to the safety of our community and doing incredible and heroic acts each and every day,” Schuldt said.

Photo of Renton Police Department officers, Wally the K9 therapy dog and Mayor Armondo Pavone. Courtesy photo.

Photo of Renton Police Department officers, Wally the K9 therapy dog and Mayor Armondo Pavone. Courtesy photo.