By JENNA RHUDE
Moapa Valley Progress
Officer Monty Fetherston, who hails from Overton, received the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Medal of Valor at a gala event held Tuesday, September 18. At the event, the commendation was presented to Fetherston, Jeremiah Beason, Patrick Burke, and Steve Morris, Jr., the first team to assemble and arrive on the 32nd floor of Mandalay Bay on Sunday, October 1, 2017.
Responding to an active shooter call, these officers, first responders, and many others showed exceptional service and concern for others. Officer Fetherston, Beason, Burke, and Morris proceeded to the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay, where it was suspected the shooting was originating. These officers cleared guests from their rooms before entering the suspect’s suite. Upon entering, they found the suspect deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The four officers then retreated and once again walked the floor to ensure everyone was out safely. They secured the 32nd floor until they were relieved several hours later.
LVMPD nominated their officers for the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Policing. The officers traveled to Washington D.C. where they, along with a handful of other recipients, were presented their award by Attorney General of the United States Jeff Sessions.
“This award will shine a light on the heroic women and men of law enforcement and the vital public service that our nation’s officers and deputies provide,” reads the letter from the Office of the Attorney General received by Fetherston.
“Officer Fetherston, you are a true hero, and your service is an inspiration to me, your colleagues, and the nation. Thank you for your exceptional work,” the letter continued. “President Trump and I are firmly committed to honoring and supporting the work of law enforcement officers and deputies, and I appreciate any opportunity to personally express my gratitude to those who risk their lives daily to protect our communities.”
Officer Fetherston is the son of Mike and Karla Fetherston of Overton. He is a 2005 graduate of Moapa Valley High School. He and his wife, Whitney are the parents of five children. Officer Fetherston has been with LVMPD for four years.
“It has always been a desire of mine to serve with LVMPD,” said Fetherston, “and I finally achieved that after they stopped the hiring freeze a few years ago. I really like my job.”
