Mesquite Couple Recognized For Bravery

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

The Mesquite Police Department recognized two local residents last week with an award of appreciation for courage and bravery. The award was presented to Anthony and Cassie Gill during a Mesquite City Council meeting held on Tuesday evening, March 14. The honor was presented by Mesquite Police Chief MaQuade Chesley and MPD Officer Mike Magadan.

Earlier this year, the Gills had assisted Magadan in a physical altercation where two suspects were resisting arrest.

In a brief summary of the incident, Mesquite Mayor Pro Temp Wes Boger explained that the Gills had been near the customer service counter at Mesquite Walmart in the evening of January 2. Magadan was responding to a call from store staff where a wallet found in the store had contained methamphetamine.

As Magadan was investigating the incident, a female suspect approached him and quickly became combative as he attempted to detain her. A moment later, the woman’s spouse began interfering with the arrest.

“Anthony and Cassie Gill happened to be in the right place at the right time,” Boger said. “They immediately recognized that Officer Magadan was outnumbered and, without hesitation, they both intervened attempting to keep the suspects at bay.”

Anthony Gill held onto the man who was attacking Magadan, while Cassie attempted to contain the female who fought back against her, Boger said.
“Both Anthony and Cassie put Officer Magadan’s safety and well-being ahead of their own comfort and safety,” Boger said. “They reacted based on their own morals and attitudes towards Mesquite Police Department and especially towards Officer Magadan.”

“It is people like the Gills who make the City of Mesquite and our entire community great!” Boger concluded.