Crime & Safety

Copley Police Officer to Receive Award for Bravery

Ben Campbell was first on the scene at mass shooting in August 2011

 

 

Copley Township Police Officer Ben Campbell is scheduled to receive the Congressional Badge of Bravery on at 1 p.m. Monday, March 25, for his actions in a mass shooting Aug. 7, 2011.

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The award will be presented by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown. 

In May 2012, Campbell was also honored as a Top Cop by President Obama.

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Campbell was the first officer on the scene the morning of Aug. 7, 2011, when Michael Hance shot eight people on Schocalog Road and Goodenough Avenue. Seven died instantly. 

"Without waiting for backup, Officer Campbell searched for the shooter, placing himself in danger to protect the community and end the killing. Officer Campbell encountered the shooter and issued commands for him to drop his weapon," a release from Copley police says.

Hance failed to obey, instead pointing his gun at Campbell, who shot and killed him.

Today's ceremony will take place at the Radisson Hotel in Copley.


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