(Radio Iowa) – A Delaware County sheriff’s deputy is being awarded the county’s first Medal of Valor for acts of bravery last fall. Deputy Matt Menard intercepted a shooting suspect in Hopkinton on November 7th, tried to take him into custody peacefully, but ended up shooting the man — then rendered him first aid. Deputy Menard was nominated for the medal by his co-worker, Deputy Travis Hemesath, who says Menard is a role model for the department.

Deputy Matt Menard (in blue shirt & tie) receives the medal (Photo by Janelle Tucker, KMCH)

The county’s emergency management coordinator says Menard’s actions prevented further loss of life and that’s why he’s being recognized as the first recipient of the new award.