Officer Steven Van Doren

On September 20, 1997, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Boise Police Officer Stephen Van Doren and his partner, Officer Bryan Hagler, initiated a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Rider's 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, the 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. Officer Van Doren played a vital role in helping to end the threat by holding his ground in the worst of circumstances. Believing Officer Rogers was pinned down by the suspect's gun fire, Officer Van Doren stepped from behind cover in order to return fire and provide protection for Officer Rogers. Officer Van Doren's selfless act of heroism and indomitable 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.