The Cortez Police Department posthumously awarded Sgt. Michael Moran a Purple Heart and Medal of Honor at the Cortez City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
His two daughters, Katalina and Novelynn Moran, accepted the awards on his behalf.
Four representatives from the police department, the mayor, mayor pro tem and all five City Council members stood before the council’s platform to present the awards.
Lt. Rogelio Maynard began the ceremony by defining what a Purple Heart is.
“It’s awarded to employees who suffer serious on-line injury and line of duty death caused by an active aggressor,” Maynard said.
Interim Police Chief Andy Brock spoke next.
Brock said Moran had “demonstrated remarkable courage and dedication to duty,” on Nov. 29, 2023, when he was “ambushed by a driver who exited his vehicle” during a routine traffic stop and opened fired on Moran.
Despite being struck multiple times, Moran was able to draw his weapon and fire, Brock said.
And for that bravery, the department awarded him the Purple Heart.
“The Medal of Honor is the highest award this office presents in recognition of personal bravery,” said Detective Lt. Angelo Martinez.
“It recognizes employees who have risked their lives in the line of duty and performed above and beyond the required scope of duty while protecting the lives of others,” Martinez said.
Brock went on to say that “even while mortally wounded, he (Moran) exhibited the highest level of courage, selflessness and dedication to the preservation of life. His conduct that day epitomized the ultimate commitment to public safety and service. We are grateful.”
With that, Brock invited Moran’s daughters to the front of the room to accept the two awards.
Katalina and Novelynn made their way to the front of the room, accepted the awards and shook the hands of those from the police department and City Council.
“Thank you all for being here for that,” Cortez Mayor Rachel Medina said to wrap up the ceremony.
