Deputy Joe Clarke
 

Deputy Joe Clarke received the Bronze Medal for Distinguished Service for his
actions and  his excellent training of Brix, which led to an armed suspect being
disarmed and taken into custody without further injury to fellow officers and 
citizens.  On the afternoon of February 21, 2005, Deputy Joe Clarke and his
K-9 partner, Brix, were dispatched to an in-progress residential burglary in the
Live Oak area.  One suspect, a felon with prior convictions for armed robbery, 
first degree burglary, battery causing great bodily injury, and escape by force and 
assault, had fled the scene speeding, driving erratically, and endangering citizens.

When the suspect's vehicle became stuck in mud, Deputy Clarke contacted the 
suspect at gunpoint, but he refused to cooperate and was preparing to run.  
Deputy Clarke warned the suspect not to run or K-9 Brix would be released from 
his patrol car.  Despite the warning, the suspect ran and K-9 Brix was released, 
grabbing the left hand of the suspect as he ran into a backyard residence.  The suspect
reached into his waistband and pulled a handgun.  Deputy Clarke did not fire his service
weapon as children were playing in the neighboring yard.  While Deputy Clarke moved
into a safe position, he continued to order the suspect to drop his gun and the suspect
refused.  K-9 Brix switched his bite hold to the suspect's gun hand and tackled the suspect
to the ground, ultimately disarming him and the suspect was taken into custody.