McClanahan awarded Medal of Valor

The Medal of Valor may be awarded to members of the Lacey Police Department who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery and/or heroism involving other persons present where hostile action or extreme personal danger is involved.

On April 27, 2015, Officer Edward J. McClanahan, son of Dave and Joyce McClanahan of Odessa, was working at North Thurston High School as the School Resource Officer. Just prior to the start of the school day, Officer McClanahan was exiting the main office at the high school when he heard what he knew to be a gunshot coming from the Commons area at the school. This area was heavily populated by students visiting before school began. McClanahan drew his weapon and ran toward the sound when he heard a second gunshot. He saw a teenaged male emerge from the stairwell and could clearly see that the male was armed with a handgun pointed up toward the ceiling.

McClanahan pointed his duty weapon at the male and ordered him to drop the weapon. McClanahan did not fire at the male due to the many kids in the area who were scattering. As McClanahan began to move to a position where he could fire and not injure any other person, a North Thurston High School teacher suddenly appeared and tackled the male to the ground. McClanahan reacted quickly, and with the teacher, held the male to the ground. Officer McClanahan removed the gun from the suspect's hand, safely secured the weapon and then calmly advised dispatch what had occurred, assuring the incoming units that there were no injuries and the suspect was in custody.

In summary: Officer McClanahan, working alone as the sole School Resource Officer assigned to North Thurston High School, confronted an immediate threat to the lives of the children and staff members of the school. Faced with hostile action and extreme personal danger, he made a decision to protect the lives of the innocent persons in the school. He confronted the threat and was prepared to neutralize the threat to save lives. When the suspect was taken down by the teacher, McClanahan reacted and immediately grabbed the gun out of the suspect's hand, preventing him from firing it again. Officer McClanahan again put himself in harm's way to protect those around him. It is for these reasons that School Resource Officer Ed McClanahan is awarded the Medal of Valor.