Kentucky Air National Guardsman awarded the Medal of Valor from Sheriff's Office

by 2nd Lt. James W. Killen
123rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

3/27/2015 - KENTUCKY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A Kentucky Air National Guardsman has been awarded the Medal of Valor from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office for actions he took during a shooting incident at Fern Creek High School September 2014.

Staff Sgt. Brent Reichardt, an aircraft hydraulics specialist in the 123rd Maintenance Squadron here, works full-time as a Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy and school resource officer was on duty at Fern Creek High School Sept. 30 when a student pulled a gun during an altercation with a classmate and shot another student in the abdomen before fleeing the scene.

As the first officer to respond, Reichardt's split-second decision making helped save the life of Javaughntay Burroughs and ensured that other students were safely evacuated from the last known location of the suspect, officials said. Reichardt also facilitated the arrival of back-up officers and eventually helped locate the suspect.

Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey said Reichardt exemplifies a man of character.

"It takes a special type of person to serve as an SRO and to work with kids and to know what to do when they are in danger," Aubrey said. "For going above and beyond the duties in his position, Deputy Reichardt was presented the Medal of Valor."

Reichardt expressed his surprise about receiving the award, which was presented during a ceremony at the Sheriff's Office Feb. 20.

"I feel like I was doing my job," Reichardt said. "My security team there is fantastic; they make my job so easy. Without them, I would not have been awarded this medal, so the credit really belongs with them."

The Medal of Valor is presented to deputies who demonstrate bravery, perseverance, initiative and dedication to duty in the face of imminent personal danger.

One day after receiving the award, Reichardt deployed to the Southwest Asia to continue serving his community as an Air National Guard maintainer. Before leaving he replied to a question comparing service as a school resource officer to his service in uniform.

"Core values are core values. Integrity is a big part of being a deputy, and 'integrity first' is one of our Air Force Core Values." Reichardt said, "It is my pleasure to serve our community with integrity, not just here at home, but overseas, too."