iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
An Indian American NYPD officer was honored with the Medal of Valor by US President Joe Biden on May 17, 2023. The rookie officer was one of the nine public safety officers who got the highest award for 2021-2022. Two of the officer’s seniors, Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera, were honored posthumously.
NYPD officer Sumit Sulan and his senior officers responded to a call from a distressed woman, whose son was threatening her and his brother. Officers Mora and Rivera engaged with the aggravated man, while Sulan, then a rookie, stayed back with the mother and son. Officers Rivera, Mora, and Sulan of the New York City Police Department put themselves in the line of fire to protect the mother and son. Officers Rivera and Mora were ambushed, shot multiple times, and died from their injuries.
Detective Sulan ensured the safety of the civilians on the scene and struck down the gunman with his service weapon, bringing an end to the deadly episode just 45 seconds after it had begun. “Together, the officers’ poise and valor saved lives, and Detectives Rivera and Mora’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Later in February 2022, officer Sulan was promoted to the rank of detective. According to a tweet by Commission Sewell, he was presented with shield No. 332, “symbolizing three brothers from the 32nd Precinct.”
Biden said during the Medal of Valor Ceremony, “We honor Detective Sumit Sulan, who is also here today. Here, one day in January, in Harlem, they responded to a 911 call from a distressed woman. Her grown-up son was threatening her and his brother.”
“It’s my honor to award nine brave Americans the Medal of Valor, the highest award this country can bestow on a public safety officer. The award is given for actions above and beyond the call of duty and exhibiting exceptional courage, extraordinary decisiveness, presence of mind, and unusual swiftness in action, regardless of his or her personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect a human life. I don’t know all of you but I do know you. From small towns and big cities, you’re cut from the same cloth. You run into danger when everybody else runs away from danger. You possess a selflessness that’s literally impossible to explain. And your bravery inspires people, and the community,” Biden said while presenting the honors.
“There’s no greater responsibility of government than to ensure the safety of the American people and those who serve and protect us all. We’re incredibly proud of all of you, and I mean that. We’re going to have your back as long as we need to,” Biden added.
“Saluting our heroes — fallen Detective Wilbert Mora, fallen Detective Jason Rivera, and Detective Sumit Sulan — who were awarded the Medal of Valor by POTUS. The DEA is proud to represent and stand with Sumit and the loved ones of Jason and Wilbert,” Detectives’ Endowment Association said in a tweet.
