Valor Awards
2016 NJSPBA
Valor Awards
A hero of the shadows
Detective Mohammad Sheikh had been a police officer at Hackensack Local 9 for about four years before he started shifting over to the quality of life task force to do some undercover work. In October 2015, Sheikh was promoted to the role of detective. A week later, he walked into one of the most serious incidents of his career, being forced to release fire on a suspect in order to protect the lives of two law enforcement officers. The sudden escalation of Sheikh’ s career put him to the test with an incident that no man wishes to be a part of, but he handled the scene with the optimum expertise that terminated the lethal situation and allowed all three officers to walk away in one piece.
It was Oct. 15, 2015, that Sheikh went into the field with two other detectives from the Hudson County Prosecutor’ s Office to perform a search for a man wanted for homicide. While the three men conducted a thorough sweep of a dark room, one of the detectives was suddenly grabbed from the shadows by a suspect with
Confronted with a butcher knife and a difficult decision
54 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ DECEMBER 2016 a knife. Before the suspect was able to pursue the other detective, Sheikh fearlessly confronted the man, demanding he drop his weapon and release the officer.“ The training definitely played a role,” explained Sheikh.“ You can never be fully prepared for an incident, but I think I was ready for something like that.”
When the suspect refused to follow orders, Sheikh fired a single round, causing the man to release the detective and fall to the ground. The memory of the event still resonates with Sheikh, who was honored with the Silver Valor Award for the brave action he took to defend his partners that day.“ The adrenaline was definitely fierce,” recalls Sheikh.“ It brings back a lot of emotions. I’ m still not over it.”
The aggressor was taken to the hospital and treated for his wounds. While law enforcement recognizes him for his bravery, Sheikh prefers not to recount the intense experience. But there is no doubt that the event has altered the caution he takes while making decisions on scene.
“ The heightened awareness is definitely a factor,” Sheikh stated.“ I’ ll always double check even when I’ m 100-percent certain. Whereas before I would check one time( before acting).”
Because of Sheikh’ s swift actions, the incident concluded with the safety of all officers involved. He is thankful for the support of the two detectives who were part of the events of that day, and he expressed great appreciation for the accolades he received from the PBA.
“ It’ s an amazing feeling to be around peers who are in the same field and can relate to an incident that I was involved in. It means the world to me.” d
Two priorities usually are taken into consideration when dispatched to the scene of the crime: the safety of those who respond and the safety of the suspects involved. Of course, officers hope that everyone involved can walk away unharmed. But when a suspect threatens the lives of those who serve, officers are forced to take an action that isn’ t always easy, but is necessary for self-defense and personal security.
On Nov. 17, 2015 three officers from Little Egg Harbor Local 295 responded to a call that reported a disturbed male in the Royal Timbers apartment complex off of Center Street. When Patrolmen Walt Sanford, Matthew Kline and Chris Graham arrived on the scene, they knocked at the residence, but there was no response at the door. The officers took matters into their own hands, forcing entry and announced their presence in the home. Shortly after, Sanford, Kline and Graham encountered a 47-year-old male bloodied and armed with a butcher knife.
Silver Medal of Valor Award
Detective Mohammad Sheikh
Hackensack Local 9
Silver Medal of Valor Award
Officer Walt Sanford
Officer Matthew Kline
Officer Chris Graham Little Egg Harbor Local 295
It was immediately clear to them that the man was disturbed and emotionally unstable, which his family later confirmed. Officers Sanford, Kline and Graham advised the man to drop the weapon, but he refused. Instead, the male advanced toward the officers, wielding the butcher knife in a threatening manner. Immediately, the officers raised their guns in protection and opened fire. The male was fatally shot and pronounced dead by a doctor at 12:36 p. m.
The officers were recognized with the Silver Valor of Honor Award for their swift response to end a volatile situation and the professional way in which they carried out self-defense to assure their safety during this difficult encounter. d