ORLANDO, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott presented Medals of Heroism to members of the Orlando Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, including members of the SWAT team, who engaged the shooter during the terror attack at Pulse Orlando on Sunday.
Orlando Police Chief John Mina and Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings also received medals.
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“I was honored to recognize Orlando’s incredible law enforcement members today with Medals of Heroism for bravely risking their lives on Sunday to engage the gunman," said Governor Scott. "I join all Americans in expressing our heartfelt gratitude for their sacrifice to save lives and their hard work throughout the ongoing investigation. These American heroes will forever be remembered for their courage during this horrific tragedy in Orlando.”
Chief Mina said on Wednesday "the most fearless and courageous members of the SWAT team received counseling" to help them deal with the attack.
Chief Mina also said 300-400 officers attended a stress management briefing.
Messages of hope have been extended to the Orlando police officers who responded to this week's gay nightclub shooting by Colorado colleagues who know the horrors they faced.
Aurora Police Lt. Stephen Redfearn was among the first on the scene after a gunman opened fire at a movie theater in his Denver suburb in 2012. Redfearn came up with the idea for a video in which he and other members of his department say they stand with Orlando.
Redfearn says messages he received in 2012 from other officers helped, and he wanted to show Orlando the same support.
Orlando police tweeted a link to Redfearn's video and expressed thanks.
Twelve people died in Aurora in 2012. In Orlando, 49 people died before the gunman was killed.