Clinton J. TravisA Dalton police officer has been honored with the department's Award of Valor, according to a release from the DPD.
Officer Clinton J. Travis received the award - the fourth one given in the last 30 years - from Chief Jason Parker in "recognition of his actions in two separate cases over the past year in which he was confronted with split-second life or death decisions," the release states.
Travis was investigating a suspicious vehicle on August 17, 2016 when the suspect dropped a rolled-up dollar bill and reached down between his legs. Travis did not know the back seat passenger had a 9 mm pistol on the floorboard between his feet. When Travis shone his light on the suspect's hands, he saw the suspect picking up the pistol. Travis then drew his weapon and pointed it at the suspect before convincing him to drop the pistol, according to the release.
Tony Landaverde, 28, of Dalton, was later arrested and charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime as well as felony possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute.
"Officer Travis's quick action and his calm approach clearly went above and beyond the call of duty," Chief Parker noted Tuesday morning.
Travis was also involved in an incident on March 5, 2017, for which his supervisor nominated him for the award.
Travis was dispatched with other officers to a disturbance in which a son had pointed a gun at his father. After he heard a gunshot from inside the house, Travis ran inside to find the father and son struggling over a pistol. Travis pointed his patrol rifle with his right hand and quickly closed the gap between them and took the pistol away. No one was hurt. The son, Brian McReynolds Nunez, 21, of Dalton was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
"Once again, Officer Travis was faced with a life or death situation that could have ended with multiple serious injuries or deaths, including his and other officers, and a high level of force was justified in this situation," Parker told the commission. "His decision to quickly close the gap and take immediate action was the factor that prevented a tragic end to this situation and saved lives on that day."
Lieutenant Shaun Scott said he believes "Officer Travis' actions demonstrate heroism when faced with a great risk of imminent hazard to himself and others, and he should be considered for this commendation."
"I am amazed at the judgment and discretion our officers display in these split-second decisions," Parker said in the release. "I am proud of Officer Travis, his actions are more like those of a highly seasoned officer."