ALBEMARLE — On May 16, President Joe Biden honored a fallen NC police officer and his three colleagues with the Medal of Valor for their efforts during a hostage situation in 2020.
Four members of the Concord Police Departments — Officers Jason Shuping, Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson — each received the honor that is awarded to public safety officers who have demonstrated courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save others from harm.
“Fallen Officer Jason Shuping and Officers Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson of the Concord, NC, Police Department engaged a suspect in a busy retail area who opened fire on the officers and took a woman hostage,” the White House said in a released statement. “The officers fired at the suspect to turn attention away from their colleagues and shielding each other with their own bodies – until they ended the threat. During the gunfight, Officer Shuping paid the ultimate sacrifice. All four men demonstrated courageous action in a volatile encounter with a gunman to protect the public.”
At the time of the incident, Shuping, 25, had been a member of his department for less than two years.
The Concord officers received the award alongside 11 other first responders who performed recognized acts of bravery between 2019 and 2021. Shuping’s medal was accepted by his wife, Haylee Shuping, at the Washington, D.C, ceremony.
“Officers Shuping, Baker, Stackenwalt, and Robinson displayed incredible courage to protect our community,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson (NC-08). “We will never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by Officer Shuping and his family. Today’s Medal of Valor awards will ensure his life and the actions of his colleagues that day receive the recognition they deserve. Police officers are facing threats like never before, but I am grateful for the service of brave law enforcement officers like Jason Shuping, Kyle Baker, Paul Stackenwalt, and Kaleb Robinson.”