Miami-Dade sergeant receives Medal of Valor

Sgt. Mauricio Duran witnessed shooting

Courtesy: Miami-Dade Police

SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – A Miami-Dade Police sergeant received the Bronze Medal of Valor and Lifesaving Award for his actions while on duty.

Miami-Dade Police said Sergeant Mauricio Duran witnessed what he thought was a shooting in Southwest Miami-Dade on Feb. 19.

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Police said Sergeant Duran got out of his cruiser and ordered the suspected shooter to the ground, but that man continued to walk away.

Police said Sergeant Duran recognized the imminent threat, withdrew his firearm from the holster and again ordered the subject to lay on the ground.

The man finally lowered himself to the ground, reached into his waistband, retrieved a black firearm, and tossed it away.

Sergeant Duran then advised Miami-Dade Fire Rescue it was safe to respond to the scene and help the victim who had suffered a gunshot wound to his back.

The victim was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center.

Police said the man survived the shooting in part because of the actions of Sergeant Duran.

On its Facebook page, Miami-Dade Police wrote, "Sergeant Duran demonstrated tremendous courage and self-restraint in the face of great personal danger. His selfless actions saved the life of the victim who surely would have succumbed to his injuries had he not received necessary medical assistance. He is commended for his alertness, bravery, and dedication to duty."