On August 12, 2019, New Haven Police Captain Anthony Duff was off duty and driving to the hospital where his first grandchild was just born. While en route, he spotted a man being shot in the area of Dixwell Avenue and Henry Street. He radioed in the shooting, said he would pursue the suspect, and needed assistance. Although he was not wearing his uniform or vest, he grabbed his radio and gun and confronted the shooter who turned and shot him three times—once each in the arm, chest, and abdomen—critically wounding him.
Four officers responded and arrived on the scene. They located Captain Duff and immediately applied tourniquets to his wounds, controlling the bleeding enough to survive the trip to Yale New Haven Hospital where he had extensive surgery. Sadly, the shooting victim that Captain Duff tried to save succumbed to his injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
Captain Duff acted decisively after witnessing the shooting by immediately engaging the suspect in an attempt to save the shooting victim. He acted without regard for his own safety and was critically wounded during this engagement.
Learn about all of the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery recipients