We are highlighting the commendable efforts of Southfield Police Command Officers Association’s Sergeant Joseph Ashmore, whose actions on May 8, 2023, underscore the professionalism and resolve that define our force.
Southfield Police Command Officers Association’s Sergeant Joseph Ashmore’s Professionalism
On that day, the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit (TCSU) team faced a challenging situation following a report of a double shooting. The suspect had committed a grave act, resulting in one fatality and leaving another person critically injured. Armed and considered dangerous, the apprehension of the suspect was critical.
Sergeant Ashmore and the TCSU responded promptly. Their task was to locate and safely apprehend the suspect. Intelligence led the team to Warren, where they set up surveillance based on the suspect’s likely whereabouts.
An hour later, the operation took a pivotal turn when a call from a juvenile related to the suspect directed the team’s efforts to track him while switching locations and vehicles. As the situation unfolded, Sergeant Ashmore and the TCSU demonstrated exceptional adaptability and teamwork.
Continuing Through the Call
The call from one of the suspect’s children alerted his presence at the family home following the shooting. This crucial information led our team to conduct a thorough investigation, which included speaking with his stepson and tracking a cell phone to pinpoint the suspect’s whereabouts.
They tracked his movements, which led to a planned approach to apprehend him, ensuring the risk to public safety was minimized as his vehicle was tracked across the Detroit area.
When the time came to arrest the suspect, the team, led by Sergeant Ashmore, executed their plan precisely. They successfully prevented him from fleeing, ensuring a controlled situation that avoided further escalation. This involved boxing in the assailant from all sides with the whole team’s help, with Sergeant Ashmore reversing his vehicle to block his escape.
This led to a firefight with the suspect, who armed with an AR-15 rifle, fired several shots and was in the process of targeting another officer when Sergent Ashmore decided to return fire. This outcome directly resulted from the team’s thorough preparation and Sergeant Ashmore’s leadership.
The Importance of this Professionalism
The operation highlighted the dangers inherent in our line of work and the importance of calm, decisive action in adversity. Sergeant Ashmore’s leadership and the team’s collective effort effectively neutralized a significant threat to our community.
We honor Sergeant Joseph Ashmore for his leadership, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication to duty. His actions, and those of his team, reflect the core values of our department and the commitment to public safety that we all share.
We present you with the 2024 Police Officer of the Year Award.