OLYMPIA, Wash.-A Benton County Sheriff’s Detective and a Pasco Police Officer were awarded Law Enforcement Medals of Honor on May 3.
BCSO Detective Kenton Childers and Pasco PD Officer Phil Hanks were honored for their actions during a shooting and chase in Pasco on March 24, 2023.
“Numerous law enforcement officers have risked their lives to save the lives of others, distinguishing themselves with exceptionally meritorious conduct,” Governor Jay Inslee said at the Medal of Honor/Peace Officers Memorial ceremony.
Officer Hanks responded to a reckless driver at the Circle K on Court Street when the driver opened fire, hitting Hanks in the arm before he was able to crawl behind his car for cover.
The suspect drove away from the gas station and led law enforcement on a chase that included Benton and Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputies, as well as Pasco Police.
BCSO Deputies used stop sticks to try and end the chase in the area of Argent and Road 64.
The suspect turned their car toward the Deputies when they stopped. BCSO Deputy Kenton Childers fired multiple shots through the windshield into the suspect’s car after the suspect pointed a gun at the Deputy.
The suspect, David Ramos-Galvez, was transported to the hospital and later taken into custody. Two guns were found in his car and he has since been charged with attempted murder and eluding.
Awarded since 1994, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor is Washington’s highest state award, and is presented for “significant acts of bravery, heroism and sacrifice.”
