Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced the inaugural 2019 Arizona Medal of Valor honorees, recognizing heroic public safety officials who demonstrated extraordinary acts of valor, courage and heroism, a release states.

The honorees were selected by a review board made up of law enforcement and public safety professionals.

Mr. Ducey issued an executive order on Aug. 5, 2018, establishing the Arizona Medal of Valor.

The honorees are:

Troopers Tyler Edenhofer and Henry Roanhorse, Jr. with the Arizona Department of Public Safety; Officer Alvaro Silva with the Tucson Police Department; and Sgt. Joshua Wade with the Glendale Police Department

“Arizona’s brave first responders and members of law enforcement are heroes in every sense of the word,” Mr. Ducey stated. “They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and Arizona is grateful for their courage and heroism. The Arizona Medal of Valor is just one way to express Arizona’s sincere gratitude to the honorees as well as all law enforcement personnel and first responders.”

Mr. Edenhofer died in the line of duty July 25, 2018 when he responded to reports of a person throwing objects at vehicles along Interstate 10 in Avondale. A scuffle had ensued and Mr. Edenhofer was shot by the suspect, who had gotten ahold of another official’s firearm. Mr. Edenhofer was hired by DPS in September 2017 and graduated from the Advanced Trooper Academy on May 4, 2018. He served in the U.S. Navy before joining DPS.

Mr. Roanhorse saved a driver from an oncoming train on Jan. 6, 2018. The driver was in his car on the train tracks and would not move himself to a safe spot. When Mr. Roanhorse observed a train quickly approaching, he pulled the driver out of the car, ultimately saving his life.

Mr. Silva maintained exceptional composure and prioritized public safety when confronted an aggressive, gun-bearing suspect on March 17, 2019. After the altercation, Mr. Silva immediately summoned medical attention for the injured suspect, ultimately saving his life.

Mr. Wade saved an elderly man from a burning motorhome on Jan. 4, 2019. He used a ladder to climb up to a window and, with the help of a neighbor at the scene, pulled the man from the home, ultimately saving his life.

The Arizona Medal of Valor Review Board selected the honorees. Members of the Review Board include Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board Chairman and Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher, DPS Director Col. Frank Milstead, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams, Timber Mesa Fire Chief Bryan Savage, Department of Forestry and Fire Management Director David Tenney and Governor Ducey’s Policy Advisor for Public Safety and Military Affairs Jenny Thomsen.

“Every day, first responders and members of law enforcement risk facing dangerous and adverse situations in an effort to keep others safe,” Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher stated. “The Arizona Medal of Valor recipients displayed incredible acts of bravery to protect others, and we appreciate their unwavering courage.”

The honorees will be recognized at an award ceremony in 2020.