Safety is an important part of strong, successful communities—and when communities are strong, businesses flourish too. Target works with law enforcement partners across the country, supporting the work they do to protect local communities where our team members and guests live and work.
In partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), we’re proud to sponsor the annual IACP/Target Police Officer of the Year Award, the association’s premier honor that recognizes heroism, valor and outstanding performance by a law enforcement officer and highlights the sacrifices made daily by law enforcement’s finest.
At the 2014 gala fundraising event, part of IACP’s annual conference, Target team members gathered with law enforcement officers, community leaders and other partners to honor the dedication and service exemplified by four extraordinary officers, each nominated for going above-and-beyond and putting their lives on the line to protect their communities.
This year, the award went to Officer James F. Cunningham of the San Francisco Police Department. While patrolling near the San Francisco International Airport airfield on July 6, 2013, Officer Cunningham witnessed the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 and was the first responder at the site. Without the aid of a breathing apparatus, he boarded the burning plane and cleared paths for injured passengers to exit, rescuing those trapped in their seatbelts and helping the severely injured off the plane. Officer Cunningham played a critical role in saving the 304 passengers’ lives. Watch the video above to see some of the rescue and recovery efforts unfold.
“All of us at Target are proud to honor the outstanding officers serving neighborhoods across the country,” says Ralph Boelter, vice president of Corporate Security at Target. “Officer Cunningham and all of the 2014 nominees are great examples of the caliber of law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to make our communities better places to live.”
Visit the Safety & Preparedness pages to learn more about the good Target does by helping to build strong, healthy and safe communities.
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