PHOTOS: Families, first responders and city leaders filled Ford Field on Thursday, Nov. 13 for the 13th annual Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony. The event was hosted by The Detroit Public Safety Foundation and dedicated to the city’s police, fire and EMS personnel who stepped into danger to protect others.
A total of 37 first responders were honored this year for acts ranging from lifesaving medical calls to responding to armed, high-risk situations. Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison and Executive Fire Commissioner Charles Simms presented the major departmental awards, including the Medal of Valor, the Purple Heart, the Emergency Medical Merit Award and the Public Safety Distinguished Service Award.
Mayor Mike Duggan and Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield were also in the crowd at Ford Field, standing alongside families and first responders throughout the ceremony. Duggan said events like this โremind us of the courage and sacrifice that keep our city safe and strong,โ a message that carried through the night.
