Las Vegas court security officers recognized for heroism
ARLINGTON, Va. — Court security officers who defended the Lloyd George U.S. Courthouse against a gunman in a tragic shootout early last year were lauded as heroes Thursday.
A ceremony held by the U.S. Marshals Service evoked the Las Vegas rampage of Jan. 4, 2010, when Johnny Lee Wicks entered the courthouse shortly after it opened at 8 a.m., pulled a shotgun from his jacket and began firing.
Court security officer Stanley Cooper was killed. Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard “Joe” Gardner was shot but recovered from wounds to the torso, arm, hand and head. Wicks was chased down and killed by officers.
At the agency’s annual recognition ceremony for agents from around the country, leaders of the federal protective agency said quick thinking by the Las Vegas court officers on duty prevented further disaster.
Receiving awards were Sherri Shipp, Jack Ecklund, Arthur Gennaro, Michael Gerrity, Lenny Kaufman, Robert Riscen and William Sherman. All but Riscen were present at the ceremony held near the Marshals Service headquarters in Arlington, Va.
“They rendered aid to their fellow officers, escorted civilians out of harm’s way, kept the shooter from completely entering the courthouse and pursued the fleeing shooter on foot,” said Eben Morales, agency assistant director.
Shipp said the court officers don’t view themselves as heroes.
“It was part of the job, and we do the job, and we would do it again,” she said. But every once in a while, she added, something will come up that will bring back a memory of Cooper.
Dozens of award recipients and an audience of more than 500 people marked a moment of silence for Cooper and for Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller and intelligence investigator John Perry who were killed in other parts of the country earlier this year.
Gardner, who left his desk on the second floor of the Las Vegas courthouse after hearing shots and who was among those who engaged Wicks in a gunbattle, was recognized with a valor award. It was accepted by his fiancée, Elayna Youchah, who said Gardner was out of the country.
Christopher Hoye, U.S. marshal for Nevada, complimented the court officers, who generally are retired police officers and security guards who staff security checkpoints and keep watch on courtrooms.
Hoye said the shooting continues to hover over the courthouse and is reflected in tightened security that has changed the jobs of the security screeners.
“They are some of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. They want to meet and greet and shake hands and hug people and kiss babies,” Hoye said. “They also have to stand a lot closer watch now. They have to be more tactical. We have taken away some of the comforts of the job. No more soft chairs.”
But Hoye said no court officers have departed since the shooting.
“As a matter of fact my waiting list has grown,” he said. “There are a lot more retired police officers who would like to come over and work for us.”
Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760.
