Clay County detective honored for actions night comrade was killed

Detective Gary Lavaron (center) receives a Heroism Medal from Gov. Rick Scott and the State Cabinet.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Clay County Detective Gary Lavaron received a Medal of Heroism on Tuesday from Gov. Rick Scott and the State Cabinet.

Lavaron was part of a nine member team that raided a drug house last year.

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A suspect starting shooting, killing Detective David White and wounding Detective Matt Hanlin.

Lavaron shot the suspect, and he is credited with saving Hanlin's life by using his belt as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.

The detective remained humble during the ceremony.

"I think any of the eight other guys if they were put in my shoes would have done the same thing," Lavaron said. "I'm confident that they would have done the same thing that I did. I don't think it was anything necessarily heroic. I think it's just the reaction you take to save your life and those that are around you."

The Medal of Heroism is given to any law enforcement or correctional officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician or paramedic who has distinguished himself or herself by risking his or her life deliberately above and beyond the call of duty and must have engaged in hazardous or perilous activities to preserve lives with the knowledge that such activities might result in great personal harm.