The Orlando Police Department (OPD) has released the names of the officers involved in a shootout with the Omar Mateen, 29, who attacked Pulse Nightclub on Sunday morning.
The first to engage the shooter was Officer Adam Gruler, a member of OPD since 2001. He was working “extra duty” at the nightclub. He exchanged shots with the shooter, who then moved farther into the club. The other officers involved are listed below:
First Patrol Unit On Scene (Also a SWAT Member): Lieutenant Scott Smith, member of OPD since 1992
First Patrol Unit On Scene (Also a SWAT Member): Sergeant Jeffrey Backhaus, member of OPD since 2004
SWAT: Officer Timothy Stanley, member of OPD since 1998
SWAT: Officer Kevin Easterling, member of OPD since 1994
SWAT: Officer Andrew Bishop, member of OPD since 1994
SWAT: Sergeant James Parker, member of OPD since 1991
SWAT: Detective Raul Rivas, member of OPD since 1992
SWAT: Lieutenant Jonathan Bigelow, member of OPD since 2001
SWAT: Officer Ricardo Duenas, member of OPD since 2014
Officer shot in the Kevlar helmet: Officer Michael Napolitano, member of OPD since 2012