US marshal honored after Vegas court attack
Jan 6, 2012, 12:30 AM
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) – A veteran U.S. marshal wounded after a disgruntled Social Security recipient opened fire in a federal courthouse in Las Vegas has received the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard Joseph Gardner accepted the award Thursday at the Lloyd D. George Courthouse.
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller and Congressman Joe Heck presented Gardner with the honor.
Gardner was on duty at the courthouse in January 2010 when 66-year-old Johnny Lee Wicks opened fire in the lobby.
Gardner and other marshals and court security officers pursued Wicks across Las Vegas Boulevard.
Wicks was shot and killed in the street.
Gardner was wounded in the head and face by a blast of birdshot pellets.
He says it was the only time he has been shot during his 18-year career in Las Vegas.
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