Genesee County Deputies Receive POAM Officer of the Year Award
The Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) proudly recognized Deputies Sarah Kern, Landon Benner, and Jackie Gorman of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office with the Police Officer of the Year Award during the Business Meeting at our Annual Convention, held in Grand Rapids.
Honored for Bravery During Clio Shooting Incident
The trio was honored for their exceptional bravery and swift action during a fatal shooting incident on March 26, 2024, in Clio, Michigan. That morning, 911 dispatchers received multiple reports of gunfire near N. Mill Street, with callers reporting that a man had shot a woman on a neighboring porch.
Upon arrival, Clio Police Officer Matthew Yelle and Deputy Landon Benner were met with a chilling scene: a woman lying motionless on the stairs of 619 N. Mill Street and a man, later identified as Eric Bennett, still armed with a shotgun. As additional deputies, including Deputy Gorman and Deputy Kern, arrived on the scene, Bennett emerged into the street, ignored repeated commands to disarm, and ultimately fired a shot toward Officer Yelle. The officers returned fire, stopping the threat.
Despite the danger, Deputy Kern, a trained paramedic, and Lieutenant Preece rendered immediate medical aid to Bennett, who was transported to Hurley Medical Center and later pronounced deceased. Two victims—Kasi Gipe, a neighbor who had attempted to intervene, and Ronald Tatro-Reed, the suspect’s domestic partner—were tragically found deceased at the scene.
The POAM Police Officer of the Year Award is presented annually to Michigan officers who demonstrate exceptional heroism, leadership, and dedication in the line of duty. The 2024 ceremony brought together law enforcement professionals from across the state to honor the year’s most distinguished acts of service.
POAM extends its deepest gratitude to Deputies Kern, Benner, and Gorman for their selfless service and extends condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in this tragedy.