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Garner Police present life‑saving awards and Medal of Honor to officers involved in infant rescue and vehicle assault incident
Summary
At the June 16 council meeting Chief Chris Adams presented life‑saving awards to Sergeant Danielle Coker and Senior Officer Patrick Lee for resuscitating a 3‑month‑old, and a Medal of Honor to Senior Officer Lee for his actions during a January vehicle assault incident in which he protected a victim.
Garner Police Chief Chris Adams recognized officers for two separate incidents at the June 16 Town Council meeting.
Chief Adams told the council that Sergeant Danielle Coker and Senior Officer Patrick Lee responded to a call involving a three‑month‑old infant who was not breathing; the officers performed CPR and successfully revived the child prior to EMS arrival. “Without the quick and safe response of these two officers, the child would not have survived,” Chief Adams said while presenting life‑saving awards.
The council also recognized Senior Officer Patrick Lee with a Department Medal of Honor for his actions on January 25, 2026. Chief Adams described an incident in which Officer Lee placed himself between a victim and a suspect attempting to run the victim over with a vehicle and later assisted in negotiating a peaceful surrender after a vehicle crash and barricade. “Officer Lee's swift actions undoubtedly saved the victim’s life that day,” Chief Adams said.
Both award recipients declined to speak and participated in a photo opportunity at the dais.
Why it matters: The awards highlight the role of first responders in life‑threatening incidents and were used by the town as a public recognition of bravery and quick action.
What happens next: The awards were recorded in the meeting minutes; the department continues to publicize and document first‑responder recognitions.
