ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando Police Department held its quarterly awards Wednesday. Police Chief Paul Rooney handed out nearly 20 awards, both to officers, as well as regular citizens.
Sandra Bailey, retired Florida Highway Patrol officer, received a good citizenship award for assisting Sgt. Kevin Roberson back in March. That's when investigators say William Cates ran a stop sign with his car.
After Roberson ticketed Cates, investigators said Cates came back again, but this time on a scooter, wearing a ski mask. Police said he fired shots and struggled with Roberson.
"It was all about him. It really doesn't dawn on you in that moment to think about yourself. He was in danger of being hurt and the suspect who was resisting was also in danger of being hurt further," said Bailey.
After Sandra Bailey noticed this all happening outside her Baldwin Bark home, she rushed to help and grabbed the suspect's gun.
Roberson received an award of valor for his actions that day.
Five unit citations were given, including one to a group of officers who raised money to buy a family a new dog after it was killed in a burglary.
In additon to awards, Chief Rooney also announced several promotions and retirements.