Officer Gary Wiggins

On September 20, 1997, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Boise Police Officer Gary Wiggins responded to a call to assist at a traffic stop in the parking lot of a bar in downtown Boise. The two men in the stopped automobile displayed belligerent and aggressive behavior as they repeatedly defied Officer Hagler's commands. With Officers Dale Rogers, Ron Winegar, Gary Wiggins, Mark Stall, and Rob Berrier present, one suspect was commanded three times to raise his jacket and turn around. Each time he responded with, "I don't think so!" Sweeping his jacket back, he drew a gun from a holster on his hip and began shooting at the officers, hitting Officer Winegar. A gun battle ensued. A second suspect emerged from the passenger door of the automobile and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Stall. Refusing to retreat under heavy fire, Officer Wiggins played a vital role in bringing the threat to an end. Officer Wiggins held his ground and continued to fight under the worst of circumstances until the threat was neutralized. Officer Wiggins' resolute spirit and extraordinary courage in the face of danger and his profound concern for his fellow officers without regard for his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the Boise Police Department and of Idaho law enforcement and reflect great credit upon himself, the Boise Police Department and all Idaho law enforcement officers.