It was on Wednesday in McKinney that a man who, according to the Allen police, saved a great number of lives was honored.
Applause is in order.
Officer Dominique Akins of the Allen Police Department was honored for his bravery during a luncheon for law enforcement officials on the day after eight people were killed and seven others were injured in a mass shooting that took place at the Allen Premium Outlets in 2023.
Despite the fact that over two years have passed since the shooting at the Allen outlet mall, a North Texas hero continues to humbly deny any effort to be acknowledged for putting down a mass shooter. More than three hundred law enforcement personnel offered a standing ovation to this outstanding individual.
The very first recipient ever
At the annual Crime Victims’ Rights luncheon held in McKinney, the District Attorney of Collin County, Greg Willis, made the decision to bestow the Shield of Valor award upon Officer Akins, making him the very first person to ever receive this honor.
“Today, I have the honorable opportunity of presenting the Shield of Valor Award, which is a distinguished honor that is not presented on an annual basis or even on a regular basis. It exists for those infrequent instances in which the acts of a single individual stand between a tragedy and something much more catastrophic,” Willis explained.
“Very, very heroic”
Chief of Police Steven Dye of the Allen Police Department accepted the medal on behalf of his colleague.
“Although he is really appreciative of the acclaim he has received, his words, as you are aware, are as follows: ‘Hey, anybody would have done the same thing I did.’ Due to the fact that it was extremely valiant and exceptional, I do not believe that any officer could have accomplished what he carried out. When Dye was asked about it, he responded, “I do, thank God, put him in that place on that day for a special reason.”
Officer Akins was having a conversation with a family in the parking area of the Allen Premium Outlets about the time that shots were fired, as captured on the body cam video that he was wearing on that Saturday afternoon in May 2023.
A ran toward the danger.
The cop proceeded to immediately arm himself and run toward the threat, where he was able to halt together with thirteen other officers who had responded to the situation.
After what seems like an eternity, he finally round the final bend, and he spots the villain. When he realized that another person had been killed, he fired three shots, which brought an end to the murdering spree. And the murderer still had more than five hundred shots in his vehicle. Willis stated that he was determined to discharge the patient.
One memorial is located outside the mall office, while another is located near the location where the eight people were killed. They honor individuals who have passed away.
It is impossible to answer the question of how many lives were spared on that particular day as a result of the bravery of a law enforcement officer.
