Police officers receive bravery citations

Officers receiving bravery citations were (from left to right) Sgt. Dave Maltbie, Officer Aaron Sailor, Officer Jason Smith, Sgt. Oscar Davila, and Deputy Derrek Wilson.

By Alan Neushwander

MCP Correspondent.

LUDINGTON – Five local law enforcement officers received bravery citations from Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett during Monday’s city council meeting for their efforts during a shoot out on June 26, 2012.

Ludington Police Sgt. Dave Maltbie receives a bravery citation from Chief Mark Barnett. Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole is pictured in the background.

Ludington Police Sgt. Dave Maltbie, Ludington Police Officer Aaron Sailor, Ludington Police Officer Jason Smith, Mason County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Oscar Davila and Deputy Derrek Wilson were cited for their bravery as they exchanged gunfire with 64-year-old Lowell Fetters after responding to a domestic disturbance at a home at 707 N. Delia St. in Ludington.

Sgt. Maltbie was shot during the incident. “He was struck in the upper left forehead, neck, shoulders, arm and right thigh,” said Chief Barnett. “Sgt. Maltbie acted above and beyond the call of duty by disregarding his own personal safety to assist other officers while under fire. Though wounded, Sgt. Maltbie remained in the fight until additional assistance arrived. Sgt. Maltbie’s bravery personifies the finest traditions of the law enforcement profession.”

Mason County Sheriff Kim Cole joined Chief Barnett in honoring the officers Monday night.

Fetters, who was also shot during the incident, faces life in prison if convicted on 32 charges stemming from the shootout.