Dayton Police Chief David Halfhill highlighted two members of his department at the July 9 city council meeting.
He presented a special Police Chief’s Merit Award to Officer Mallory Kubala for her actions in an incident that protected the life of a fellow officer.
“An officer at the time feels like they are just doing their job, but in actuality, they are possibly saving a life,” said Halfhill.
He described what happened and his reasons behind presenting the award.
The incident happened when Dayton officers Kubala and Robert Spears were flagged down to assist in a situation at the UDF in Bellevue. A man was slumped over in his car and appeared unresponsive, the chief said.
Kubala tried to wake the man up. Once awake, the man put his foot on the gas pedal and revved the engine. When asked to stop and get out of the car, he refused. As the officer attempted to remove him from the car, the man threw it into reverse and started dragging both officers along as he attempted to flee.
Halfhill said Kubala’s quick actions may have saved Spears’ life. Seeing the danger, Kubala alerted Spears to get out of the vehicle. She then grabbed Spears’ vest, pulling him out to safety. The suspect did flee but was later caught and charged.
“By officer Kubala recognizing the danger officer Spears was in, she prevented him from being seriously injured or worse …” said Halfhill. “On behalf of the Dayton Police Department, we thank Officer Kubala for her excellence that could potentially have saved Officer Spears’ life.”
Halfhill noted that Kubala has only been a police officer for a year, but had become aware of the dangers for police officers in these situations. While not experiencing it before, she had seen several videos of officers hanging onto moving vehicles who were thrown or run over and suffering head injuries and other traumas.
The chief presented the award and commended the officer for a job well done.
A new officer joins the force
Halfhill also introduced a new officer who was sworn in at the council meeting. Mayor Ben Baker swore in Officer William Howell. The chief noted Howell came to the department with experience.
“Bill came from the Ludlow Police Department. He’s been out [of police service] for a little bit, but he’s been in the federal system for a long time,” Halfhill said. “We had a job opening, he applied with us, and we hired him because he’s a good fit here…He’s been in field training for he last five weeks and his thriving…We are happy to have him. Welcome to the family.”