Patrolman Louis Cioci is honored for his exceptional bravery in subduing a violent gunman and preventing the injuries and deaths of innocent bystanders.
On March 31, 2014, Patrolman Cioci was one of two uniformed officers on duty when a call came in from the Wilson Memorial Hospital about a well-liked employee who seemed to have experienced a psychotic episode and turned violent for no apparent reason. The incident occurred in the middle of the hospital complex during the change between the night and day shifts when the area was congested with dozens of employees.
Patrolman David Smith was first to arrive. As he left his car, the hospital employee, who had prior military training, was able to get control of Patrolman Smith's gun and shoot him in the head, killing him instantly. Patrolman Cioci arrived just in time to witness the homicide of his shift partner. Patrolman Cioci yelled for the man to drop the weapon. The assailant came toward Patrolman Cioci, firing at him. Patrolman Cioci moved to cover and waited for an opportunity to return fire without endangering the lives of others.
Patrolman Cioci fired 10 rounds from a distance of about 30 yards. Six rounds struck the man in the torso, face, and legs. As the assailant fell to his knees, Patrolman Cioci advanced, with no backup. As he neared the man, the assailant grabbed his leg and tried to take his gun.
Patrolman Cioci shot the suspect two more times, but the suspect continued to fight and managed to get his hands on the gun. After an exhausting struggle, Patrolman Cioci was able to place the suspect in handcuffs. The man was taken into the operating room, where he died from his wounds