NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Metro Police have identified the six officers who first responded to the scene of the downtown explosion Christmas morning.
City officials say these officers showed up to a "shots fired" call on 2nd Avenue around 5:30 a.m. Upon arrival, an RV on the street played a recording and countdown, saying the vehicle contained a bomb and warning everyone to leave the area. The officers helped several people evacuate before the RV exploded shortly after, around 6:30 a.m.
"They immediately began knocking on doors, not knowing when the bomb would go off," Chief John Drake said at a press conference Saturday night. "They didn't think of themselves...they thought of the citizens of Nashville. They saved lives today, and their heroism should be noted."
- Officer Brenna Hosey
- Officer James Luellen
- Officer Michael Sipos
- Officer Amanda Topping
- Officer James Wells
- Sergeant Timothy Miller
Mayor John Cooper commended the officers as well.
"They took swift action, directed people away, even when their own lives were in peril. This is a year we understand what first responders mean to our community time and time again."
We are so thankful for the brave members of @MNPDNashville and @NashvilleFD who responded today. These people saved lives. Please stay clear of the affected areas and allow first responders and investigators to continue their work. Stay safe, stay strong. https://t.co/kY4ENURSy0
— Metro Nashville (@MetroNashville) December 25, 2020
This story was originally published by Kelsey Keny at WTVF in Nashville, Tennessee.
