Tennessee U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05) recently introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to honor Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo with a Congressional Gold Medal.
Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department exemplified incredible bravery, valor, and courage.
These officers have dedicated their lives to protecting their community and their heroism deserves great honor. https://t.co/Cc74xZsBtW
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) March 28, 2023
Officers Engelbert, a four-year MNPD veteran, and Collazo, a nine-year MNPD veteran ended the rampage of 28-year old Audrey Elizabeth Hale after she shot her way into The Presbyterian Covenant School in Nashville last week and killed 3 children and 3 adults.
“The community of the Covenant School in Nashville will never be the same. The losses of Hallie Scruggs, Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney, Dr. Katherine Koonce, Mark Hill, and Cynthia Peak will be felt for the rest of our earthly lives,” Congressman Ogles said in a statement. “I applaud the swift and courageous action of MNPD Officers Engelbert and Collazo, which stopped the threat of further destruction and saved the lives of additional children and staff.”
“In the face of danger, Officers Engelbert and Collazo ran headfirst without hesitation. Their heroic actions were exemplary and selfless,” Ogles continued. “Such bravery and valor deserve honor, which is why I have introduced the Covenant School Heroes Congressional Gold Medal Act. Officer Engelbert and Officer Collazo, thank you for your dedication to protecting your community from evil actors.”
To the community of The Covenant School–our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with you in the aftermath of this horrible tragedy. pic.twitter.com/c7CLwVHdP4
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) March 29, 2023
Congress has awarded gold medals to recognize distinguished achievements and contributions since the American Revolution.
Among other U.S. representatives, Ogles’ bill is co-sponsored by Tennessee Representatives Mark Green (R-TN-07), Tim Burchett (R-TN-02), and Charles J. “Chuck” Fleischmann (R-TN-03).
The first call to 911 about gunshots being fired in the school came in at 10:13 a.m. last Monday, according to MNPD. Body camera footage worn by officers Engelbert and Collazo – showed the moment officers entered the school, began clearing the building and running to the sound of gunfire coming from the second story, where they encountered and fatally wounded Hale by 10:27 a.m.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Andy Ogles” by Rep. Andy Ogles.
