Metro Police Officer Dan Alford, who was critically wounded two years ago by an armed convicted felon in the John Henry Hale public housing development, is the latest recipient of the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award. Alford received the award today during a noon ceremony in the community room of the Hermitage Precinct.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association Police Award is given to a police officer who has rendered outstanding and praiseworthy service to the department and the community despite a serious handicap, illness or injury.
On the morning of July 14, 2005, Officer Alford and his colleagues on the West Precinct’s Flex Unit were on foot patrol in John Henry Hale looking for signs of drug dealing. Most of the buildings were abandoned and had been scheduled for demolition. When a group of individuals saw the uniformed presence, they split up and ran into two vacant apartments. As Officer Alford worked to clear a second story bedroom of one apartment, he heard movement in a closet and suddenly saw a gun protrude from the closet door.
“The next moment, the shooter was peppering me,” Alford said. “I remember the blast waves of heat and pressure slapping me in the face.”
Alford was hit several times. One of the rounds was stopped by his bulletproof vest before it could enter his chest. Another bullet entered his lower left side, just under his vest. He was also hit in the left shoulder and suffered a shrapnel wound to his left cheek.
Although critically wounded, Alford managed to return the fire. The gunman, who was carrying cocaine, marijuana, and a wad of cash, was wounded in the right arm. He was quickly taken into custody by Alford’s fellow officers.
Officer Alford spent several days at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and then several months at home recovering. Determined to resume his career at the Metropolitan Police Department, Alford returned to light duty on December 6, 2005. He underwent follow-up surgery in February 2006 and resumed his police work in May. When asked about his determination, Alford said, “I can’t let him, or it, or them beat me.”
Alford, 35, is a ten-year police department veteran. He is now a member of the Bomb Squad, an assignment he requested.
“Dan Alford stared death in the face, recovered from his gunshot wounds, and is on the streets today serving Nashville’s families,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “I am tremendously proud of him, his perseverance, and his love of police work.”
“I am most appreciative that the Theodore Roosevelt Association’s Jim Summerville and his colleagues take time each year to recognize truly outstanding officers and their contributions to our city,” Serpas said.
The Theodore Roosevelt Association established this awards program in honor of Theodore Roosevelt’s distinguished service as President of the Board of Police Commissioners of New York City from 1895 to 1897, and in recognition of his lifelong admiration for the police.
Nashville is one of a handful of cities in the United States to present the Roosevelt Award. Others include New York City, Buffalo and upstate New York, Boston, Long Island, Dallas and Philadelphia.
“All his life, Theodore Roosevelt had an interest in the work of the police, and declared that there were no better people anywhere,” said Theodore Roosevelt Association President Norm Parsons of Sea Cliff, New York. “He would have been proud to be in Nashville to shake the hand of Officer Alford and say, ‘Bully!’”
The generous support of Sprint/Nextel Communications makes this year’s award possible. Through Sprint/Nextel’s generosity, and that of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, Officer Alford received a $1,000 cash award, a medal, and a bust of Theodore Roosevelt. A bronze plaque, which bears a likeness of Roosevelt, and which is currently on display in the lobby of police headquarters, now includes the inscription of Officer Alford’s name.
Past Metro Police recipients of the Theodore Roosevelt Award were Sgt. Phillip Sage (1998), Detective Clifford Mann (1999), Detective Frank Pierce (2000), Sergeant James (Jimbo) Allen (2001), Officer William Richardson (2002), Detective Joe Cooper (2003), Officer Horace Temple (2004), Officer Foster Hite (2005), and Detective Jeff Ball (2006).
Information about the activities of the Theodore Roosevelt Association is available on the Internet, http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org.
Pictured at today’s ceremony are (l-r) Theodore Roosevelt Association Trustee Jim Summerville, Sprint/Nextel executive Brenda Wilt, Officer Dan Alford, and Chief Ronal Serpas
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