Colorado Springs police honor man who helped stop Club Q shooter among other awardees
When Navy Petty Officer Thomas James jumped into action at great risk to himself to stop the Club Q shooter on Nov. 19, 2022, Richard Fierro did the same, tackling the shooter to the ground and almost certainly saving lives.
That’s why both men have now been recognized by the Colorado Springs Police Department for their bravery and decisiveness. Following a previous ceremony for James, on Feb. 7 the CSPD awarded Fierro the civilian medal of distinction.
Fierro was among other CSPD personnel and civilians awarded this year for service to the community. The ceremony honored 10 officers and two other civilians for life-saving actions, as well as a civilian, officer and honor guard member of the year for outstanding service in the CSPD.
“Your accomplishments inspire us all,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade at the ceremony. “Your commitment to sacrificial service sets a shining example for all of us to follow.”
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, center left, distributes the Life Saving Awards to officers during the department’s annual awards ceremony on Feb. 7, 2024, at Stargazers Theatre.
Among the other award recipients were CSPD officers that administered medical aid that saved lives, including officers that applied tourniquets, gave Narcan for overdoses, and otherwise stabilized patients until emergency services could arrive.
The two civilians honored with an citizen’s award of appreciation also took life saving action: Lance Lazoff, a retired police officer, helped prevent a suicide at the top of a five-story parking garage, while Steven Biery gave first aid to a pedestrian hit by a car.
CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez said a main point of the ceremony was to highlight the positive effects of community policing in Colorado Springs.
“It is about bringing community and police together to make the best, safest city, and really that’s what this celebrates,” Vasquez said.
Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez, left, presents Richard Fierro with the Civilian Medal of Distinction at the CSPD Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Stargazers Theatre. Fierro was awarded the medal for his actions on Nov. 19, 2022, at Club Q where he helped stop the shooter that killed five people.
The Colorado Springs Police Department Honor Guard presents the colors and perform at the CSPD Annual Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at Stargazers Theatre.