TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – A Florida State University police officer received the first Moment of Valor award during a Florida Department of Law Enforcement ceremony Wednesday morning.
Officer Cody Poppell was honored for his actions during the campus shooting on April 17, 2025, that left two people dead. The new distinction acknowledges extraordinary courage and decisive action in imminent danger.
Poppell shot the man accused of killing two people without leaving his motorcycle.
“We are going to recognize true heroes that has enabled us to protect the free state of Florida and make this the safest state to raise a family,” said James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General.
Detective Eva Solis of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office was honored as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
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