Two wounded officers, others, get law enforcement honors

Hill police Officer Matt Crosby and St. Louis Officer Joseph Haman humbly held plaques and posed for pictures from their wheelchairs this week during a ceremony at the attorney general’s office.

They were among seven local officers to receive the first Justice Awards from Attorney General Chris Koster, in what he plans to be a yearly event.

Koster reflected upon his annual appearances during a fallen officer memorial service behind the capital building, where the names of dead officers are etched on a memorial.

“When I see men like Joe and Matt, I think about the incredible sacrifice they have made,” Koster said. “In a lot of ways, their names deserve the same recognition, because what they’ve gone through will be with them forever, and it’s important that we remember them.”

Crosby and his partner, Lt. Jorden Lewis, were responding to a domestic violence call in April. When they confronted the suspect, George Jones, 36, he opened fire on the officers inside the stairwell of his apartment complex, officials said. Crosby and Lewis returned fire, striking Jones twice. He was charged in the attack. Crosby was shot and paralyzed from his waist down.

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