Sallisaw Police Captain John Weber and Officer Wesley McGuirt, who in May risked their lives in slamming head on into an SUV that was fleeing law enforcement and was speeding toward the heart of the city’s Diamond Daze celebration where hundreds of people were unaware of what might have been, were honored Monday at the Sallisaw City Commissioners meeting. The officers were awarded the Police Medal of Valor, the highest award given by the SPD. In presenting the plaques, Police Chief Terry Franklin (right) said the distinction is “awarded to a police officer who has distinguished themselves by showing exceptional courage and bravery at imminent risk of bodily harm. The act must exceed normal demands and be of such a nature that the officer, being fully aware of the imminent threat to their own personal safety, acted beyond the call of duty.” Mayor Ernie Martens (left), representing the city and the city commissioners, joined in extending appreciation to the officers, and said “we have some of the finest folks on our police force for a town our size. Our chief and our folks have done a really good job of choosing good people and also training them up right and hiring for character. I’m just really proud of all of our police officers, and I’m particularly proud of you two for what you did, because you guys invariably saved some lives that day you did that. We appreciate what you did very, very much.”

LYNN ADAMS | COURTESY