Press Releases

Miami, FL – On Monday, April 27^th, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) will present the 2015 Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Award to Miami-Dade Police Officer Mario Gutierrez. The award ceremony will take place at the Fred Taylor Headquarters Building, located at 9105 NW 25 Street, Doral, FL 33172.

The Congressional Badge of Bravery was established by Congress to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state and local law enforcement officers. The medals are awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General and are presented by the recipients' Congressional representatives.

On October 29, 2013, while on routine patrol in the Airport District, Officer Gutierrez observed an individual attempting to light the underground fuel tank on fire at a gas station across the street from the Miami International Airport. Disregarding his own safety, Officer Gutierrez activated the emergency shutoff valve to the pumps rendering them inoperable, and confronted the individual attempting to start the fire. The subject stabbed Officer Gutierrez with a knife multiple times, stabbing him in the arms, hand, chest, stomach, and leg, along with viciously biting Officer Gutierrez's right thumb. Despite his injuries, Officer Gutierrez continued to fight and was able to discharge his firearm, striking and killing the assailant. Officer Gutierrez's heroic actions prevented further loss of life, injury, and property damage in what would have been a massive explosion.

"I am honored to present Miami-Dade Police Officer Mario Gutierrez with the Congressional Badge of Bravery. Officer Gutierrez went above and beyond the call of duty by putting his life on the line and suffering severe injuries, to save others. His training, quick thinking and swift action prevented a disastrous situation that could have resulted in countless lives being lost. On behalf of our community we are grateful and forever indebted to Officer Gutierrez," said Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson.

"Officer Mario Gutierrez's courage while being attached during the catastrophic incident, exemplifies both heroism and commitment to serving this community," said Miami-Dade Police Department Director J.D. Patterson. "It is an honor to have Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson present our officer with this prestigious congressional award."

WHO: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson and the Miami-Dade Police Department

WHAT: Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Award Ceremony

WHEN: April 27, 2015, 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon.

WHERE: Fred Taylor Headquarters Building 9105 NW 25 Street 2^nd Floor Cafetorium Doral,
FL 33172

###

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson is a third-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school. Congresswoman Wilson also founded the Florida Ports Caucus, a bipartisan taskforce that coordinates federal action in support of Florida's harbors and waterways.