Fort Walton Beach police released redacted video of the October 14 call on Miracle Strip Parkway SW, where Detective Collin Savoie, himself an Army veteran, stood feet from a man holding a rifle and talked him into a peaceful surrender. Savoie will receive the Medal of Valor and the Life Saving Award on November 17.
The Fort Walton Beach Police Department has released redacted video of the moment Detective Collin Savoie talked an armed veteran in crisis into putting down his weapons on October 14.
Officers were called to Miracle Strip Parkway SW after reports of a man in a vehicle wearing a tactical vest and holding a rifle. Savoie took command of the scene and positioned himself only feet from the man, closer than any other officer, with limited cover.
He spoke with the man first by voice, then by cell phone. The man was a U.S. Army veteran in crisis, and Savoie, also an Army veteran, connected with him through their shared service. While he built that rapport, he directed the other units over the radio and coordinated the evacuation of the nearby building.
The man placed his weapons on the passenger seat. With the weapons still within reach, Savoie left cover and approached on foot, making direct contact. The man surrendered peacefully. No one was injured, and he was connected with mental health and veterans' resources.
"Our officers train in ICAT, the Police Executive Research Forum's de-escalation model, so we can protect every life, including the life of a person in crisis," said Chief Robert Bage. "Detective Savoie put that training to work while standing just feet from a man with a rifle, with very little between them. I am proud to recognize both his courage and his compassion."
The awards
Bage will present Savoie with the Medal of Valor, one of the department's highest honors for bravery, and the Life Saving Award at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, November 17, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW. The meeting is open to the public.
Veterans in crisis, and anyone worried about one, can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988.
Earlier coverage: Fort Walton Beach Police Talk Armed Veteran in Crisis Into Peaceful Surrender and Fort Walton Beach Detective Honored for Armed Crisis Response.
In the directory: Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Emerald Coast Connected
Written and reported by Emerald Coast Connected.