OREGON CITY, Ore.– On Monday, community member Nicole Irwin was presented with our Distinguished Service Award for her bravery and quick thinking.Our Distinguished Service Award is given to a member of the public who performs an act of extraordinary heroism or bravery.
Ms. Irwin was leaving her Clackamas workplace on December 4, 2022. As she walked towards her car, she saw two men begin fighting. She stepped in and attempted to pull one man off the other man. As she did this, she saw a folding knife in the hand of the suspect, and wisely backed off.
The suspect had stabbed the other man multiple times.
Ms. Irwin’s intervention in the attack saved the man from further injury and likely saved his life.
At this point, the suspect ran from the scene. Other people came to the aid of the victim.
Ms. Irwin once again did something incredibly brave – she followed the suspect, despite knowing he was armed. She also called 911 and kept dispatchers updated on the suspect’s location.
Ms. Irwin made it possible for deputies to quickly track down and arrest the suspect a short distance away. The suspect was taken to the Clackamas County Jail where he was held in custody until he was sentenced to 73 months in prison for this attack.
One of the deputies nominating Ms. Irwin for this award wrote:
“Her selflessness and bravery serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of looking out for one another, even in the face of danger… She is a true hero, and we are lucky to have people like her in our communities.”
Thank you, Ms. Irwin for your brave and heroic actions! We were honored to present you with our Distinguished Service Award.
** Press Release from CCSO**