Honoring

Captain Collin Birnie

Flint Police Department, MI

EOW: Feb. 4, 2022 | Age: 53 | Tour: 26 years

Captain Collin Birnie was killed in a vehicle crash on Elms Road, between Mount Morris Road and Francis Road. An oncoming vehicle was attempting to pass other cars when it lost control and struck Captain Birnie's department vehicle head-on. Captain Birnie was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of Operation Desert Storm. He had served with the Flint Police Department for 26 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Honoring

Chief of Police Richard Leslie Stephens

Union City Police Department, Oklahoma

EOW: Feb. 4, 2022 | Age: 54 | Tour: 25 years

Chief of Police Richard Stephens died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Chief Stephens had served with the Union City Police Department for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, and three grandchildren. His son is a Police Chief in Oklahoma.

Honoring

Agent John Dale Stayrook

Medina County Drug Task Force, Ohio

EOW: Feb. 6, 2022 | Age: 60 | Tour: 19 years

Agent John Stayrook died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Agent Stayrook had served with the Medina County Drug Task Force for 15 years and had previously served with the Medway Drug Enforcement Agency for four years. He is survived by his wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, and two grandchildren.

Honoring

Police Officer John Mestas

Double Oak Police Department, Texas

EOW: Feb. 7, 2022 | Age: 45 | Tour: 15 years

Police Officer John Mestas died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Mestas was a veteran of both the United States Army and the United States Air Force Reserves. He had served with the Double Oaks Police Department for three months and 15 years with the Hillsboro Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Tarrant County Hospital District Police Department, and Somervell County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Honoring

K9 Nitro

York County Sheriff's Department, Nebraska

EOW: Feb. 8, 2022 | Age: None | Tour: 2 Months

K9 Nitro was killed in a vehicle crash when a subject stole his handler's vehicle and intentionally drove into another car and a passing train on Delaware Avenue near 19th Street. Deputies had responded to a vehicle driving erratically around 11:00 pm and attempted a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and lead deputies on a pursuit with speeds exceeding 100 mph. The subject suddenly stopped and exited his vehicle. He disobeyed officers' commands, concealed his hands, and stated he wanted to die. He was able to get into the patrol car containing Nitro and fled. The stolen patrol vehicle stopped on the railroad tracks as a train approached. As soon as the train was close, the suspect proceeded north, and the oncoming train blocked the officers on the south side of the tracks. The man drove a short distance away, turned around, and headed back towards the train at a high rate of speed. He intentionally drove into a bystander's vehicle, pushing it into the train and killing its driver and K9 Nitro. The subject was also killed in the crash. K9 Nitro had served with the York County Sheriff's Department for two months.

Honoring

Firefighter Austin Smith

St. Paul Fire District, Oregon

EOW: Feb. 3, 2022 | Age: 30 | Tour: Unknown

On Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, St. Paul Fire District firefighters responded to a 3 alarm barn fire on Champoeg Creek Lane NE. While firefighters worked to put out the fire, an explosion occurred, critically injuring Firefighter Austin Smith. He was immediately flown to the Oregon Health and Science University Hospital in Portland, OR, where he passed away a short time later. Investigation into the incident continues.

Honoring

Chief James V. Radford

Polly Watson Volunteer Fire Department, NC

EOW: Feb. 5, 2022 | Age: 63 | Tour: Unknown

On Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, Chief James V. Radford was responding to the firehouse for a call in Wilson County. When he arrived, he suffered an apparent heart attack and crashed into a parked car in the fire station’s parking lot. Firefighters rendered aid to Chief Radford who was then transported to the Wayne UNC Hospital where he passed away a short time later. Chief Radford was also a member of the Fremont Volunteer Fire Department.

Honoring

Captain William Michael “Mike” Brooks

Nashville Fire Department, TN

EOW: Feb. 1, 2022 | Age: 59 | Tour: Unknown

While on duty, Captain William Michael “Mike” Brooks contracted COVID-19 from responding to numerous emergency medical calls. He passed away from the virus on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.

Honoring

Engineer Brian Miiller

Buckeye Valley Fire District, Arizona

EOW: Feb. 7, 2022 | Age: 61 | Tour: Unknown

While on duty, Engineer Brian Miiller contracted COVID-19 from the firehouse. He passed away from the virus on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022.

Honoring

Correctional Officer Braxton Hofman

Lake County Sheriff's Office, South Dakota

EOW: Feb. 7, 2022 | Age: 23 | Tour: 3 years

Correctional Officer Braxton Hofman died as a result of contracting COVID-19 in the line of duty. Officer Hofman had served with the Lake County Sheriffs Office for two years and had previously served with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and the Brookings County Sheriff's Office. He is survived by his parents and three brothers.