By Scott Harvey
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/ketr/local-ketr-971749.mp3
– One of the highest honors in the state will be presented to three law enforcement officers Friday, who are credited with bringing down a gunman last March at the Commerce Wal-Mart.
Commerce Police Lt. Terry Miller, Officer James Hildebrand and former Delta County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Robertson will receive the Medal of Valor during a ceremony at the State Capitol.
The two Commerce officials intercepted Artenio Rodriguez along Highway 50 just south of town on March 7, 2010, where they exchanged gunfire with the suspect, striking him several times before he proceeded to Wal-Mart. Inside the store's entrance, Rodriguez fired upon then off-duty deputy Robertson, who suffered non life-threatening wounds, before Rodriguez was gunned down by Officer Hildebrand.
No other lives were lost.
Above, hear an interview from last month on The Lead with Lt. Miller and Officer Hildebrand about their experiences on March 7, 2010.