Paso Robles Police Department presents medals of valor for response to active shooting incident

PASO ROBLES, Calif. - The Paso Robles Police Department is honoring three people for their response to the active shooter situation that took place in June.

On Tuesday, Police Chief Ty Lewis presented Dispatcher Kate McKinley, Sergeant Ricky Lehr, and Battalion Chief Randy Harris with medals of valor.

According to the Paso Robles Police Department, Dispatcher McKinley was working as a solo dispatcher the early morning hours of June 10, 2020.

She was monitoring security camera footage surrounding the station and noticed a subject outside the police department with a firearm. She alerted officers of the suspect’s location around the station.

Dispatcher McKinley also notified Paso Robles Fire Department, advising them to stay away from the Public Safety Center. The Department said that, although she may not have known it at the time, she undoubtedly saved the lives of Fire personnel.

The Department praised McKinley for keeping her composure and updating officers with the shooter’s location.

At 4:25am, the words “officer down” was heard over the radio. Deputy Dreyfus had been shot.

Sergeant Lehr responded to the call and and went to Dreyfus' location, where he coordinated medical units to help the wounded deputy.

Nearby, Battalion Chief Harris jumped into action as well. He planned an extraction with his SUV to get Deputy Dreyfus immediate care.

The Department recognized their bravery by presenting each if them with medals of valor. Dispatcher McKinley was awarded the bronze medal of valor, Battalion Chief Harris was awarded the citizen of valor award, and Sergeant Lehr was awarded with our Department’s highest honor, the gold medal of valor.