3 officers awarded for their actions

GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) - Three Georgetown police officers were awarded medals last week for their actions in responding to a tragic shooting last year.

Police Chief Wayne Nero honored Sgt. Dale Duncan, Sgt. Bill Pascoe, and Sgt. Ron Price at the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

“As a chief, I may go my entire career and not get to present the awards that are about to be presented,” said Nero. “I take… great personal pride in being associated with the caliber of men that are standing before you.”

The three officers responded to a call about a domestic assault on the evening of Oct. 31. When the officers arrived at the residence, three children pleaded with the officers for help, reporting that their mother was being viscously beaten by her boyfriend. Price quickly removed the children from the house to a position of safety and re-entered the residence to serve as a backup officer.

At the same time, Pascoe and Duncan approached the closed door of the rear bedroom where Terry Pittman was with her boyfriend, Anthony Blackmon. The officers announced their presence, but the door remained closed.

Duncan kicked open the bedroom door, and Blackmon began shooting a gun at Pittman, firing 14 rounds. Pascoe returned gunfire toward Blackmon, interrupting his assault. Duncan positioned himself between Pittman and Blackmon, using his body to protect Pittman. Duncan also returned gunfire toward Blackmon, ending the assault.

The officers administered first aid to Pittman and Blackmon. Pittman died at the scene and Blackmon was taken to the hospital where he later died.

“While the victim ultimately succumbed to her wounds," Nero said at the award presentation, "I want you to know that your decisions and actions that night were noble, admirable and just. I am proud to be your chief, and I am proud to point out that we have officers willing to run towards the sounds of chaos in order to restore order"

Duncan was awarded the Medal of Valor, which is among the highest honors given to public safety officers. Price and Pascoe were awarded the Distinguished Service Medal.

In December, a Williamson County grand jury decided that Duncan and Pascoe were justified in their uses of force in the incident.