Officer Brian Bobick
District of Columbia’s Metropolitan Police Department
Nashville, Tenn. - November 9, 2008 - THE FORCE®, a leading public safety uniform brand, announced that it has named Officer Brian Bobick of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department as the recipient of the 4th annual Positive Force Award. Officer Bobick will be recognized at an award ceremony that will take place in THE FORCE® exhibit at the 115th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in San Diego, Ca., November 9.
Without a second thought, Officer Bobick selflessly pushed his partner out of the way of a speeding car taking the full impact himself. Later it was found that the vehicle was driven by a 15-year-old who was specifically targeting the officers because of his disdain for law enforcement.
Officer Bobick was selected from nominations from around the country by an independent and esteemed committee of law enforcement leaders and industry luminaries. Nominees were evaluated on their professional conduct, extreme acts of valor and bravery, dedication to their community and other notable achievements.
"The Force® is committed to tell the stories of our law enforcement heroes. The Positive Force Award is our way of recognizing public safety professionals who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty," said Aimee Say, marketing manager for The Force® . "Law enforcement officers put their lives in danger every time they put on their uniforms. The sacrifices they make enable us to live better lives, and the Positive Force Award is The Force® brand's commitment to recognizing these officers as heroes."
On December 13, 2007, Brian Bobick and Michael Architzel, Bike Patrol Unit Officers from the Sixth District (6-D), were responding to a missing person call when they stopped near an elementary school to speak with a young woman and her daughter. Instantly a double-parked black sedan got their attention. After the driver excessively revved the engine, it sped toward the officers.
Without a second thought, Officer Bobick pushed his partner out of the vehicle's path and took the full impact himself. Officer Bobick was critically injured and taken by helicopter to a local hospital. Fortunately, he is almost completed a full recovery and is eager to get back to work.
An investigation found that the driver of the vehicle was a juvenile with a lengthy criminal record. In his statement to the police, the suspect admitted his intent was to run down Officer Architzel because of prior altercation with the juvenile.
As an officer, you dedicate your life to protecting and serving the citizens of your community. Officers put their lives on the line everyday to save others. The way Officer Bobick responded to the situation was simply instinctive to law enforcement professionals. In this case, however, the "citizen" he was protecting happened to be a fellow officer.
Officer Bobick began his law enforcement career in 1997 as a Deputy Sheriff with the Geauga County (OH) Sheriff's Office. In 2001, he relocated to the nation's capital and joined the ranks of the Metropolitan Police Department. After the recruit training, he was assigned to the Sixth Police District.
At 6D, Officer Bobick volunteered to supervise the community-oriented Bike Patrol Unit for Police Service Area 601. His leadership of the unit resulted in the successful training of other officers and in creating a bond of trust and respect with members of the community. He has worked tirelessly to make PSA 601 safer and more habitable for residents and visitors on his beat.
At IACP, Bobick will be presented with a check for $5,000 for personal use and $5,000 for the charity of his choice, Homeward Trails Animal Rescue. The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at booth #5019.