Today, the State of Idaho Medal of Honor Commission awarded the 2024 Medal of Honor to Officer Chris Dance of the City of Boise Police Department. The award recognizes his heroic actions during the 2021 shooting at the Boise Towne Square Mall, an incident that resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.
On October 25, 2021, Officer Dance was among the first responders who located the shooting suspect behind a business in a densely populated area. As he drove into the parking lot, the suspect fired multiple rounds at the officers, causing a passing citizen to be shot in the face. Metal and glass fragments from the gunfire struck Officer Dance, seriously injuring his left eye. Despite his injuries and his weapon becoming inoperable, Officer Dance discharged his firearm and attempted to stop the suspect with his patrol vehicle. He also provided cover for fellow officers as they closed in on the suspect. His actions prevented further injuries to both citizens and officers.
“We are indebted to people like Officer Chris Dance who show up every day and – no matter how difficult the circumstances – work to keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Chairman of the Medal of Honor Commission. “There is no more noble work than that of police, firefighters, and emergency medical workers. Sometimes, though, this noble work demands even more. It demands unusual acts of bravery and a disregard for one’s own safety.”
The Idaho Medal of Honor was established by the Idaho Legislature in 2004 to recognize exceptional acts of heroism by firefighters and police officers within the state. In 2005, emergency medical service (EMS) providers were included as eligible recipients. Since its inception, eighty-eight individuals have received this prestigious award.
Governor Brad Little presented the Medal of Honor to Officer Dance in a ceremony held at the Lincoln Auditorium at the Idaho State Capitol.