Not many police officers have responded to two school shootings, but Arvada police Sgt. A.J. DeAndrea has.
As a team leader with the Jefferson County regional SWAT team, DeAndrea rescued hostages at Platte Canyon High School in Bailey on Sept. 27, 2006, and entered Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.
DeAndrea, 39, said people may think such situations don’t affect police officers, but there is a “profound impact.”
Parade magazine has given DeAndrea an honorable mention in the 2007 Police Service Awards sponsored by Parade and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
DeAndrea, who will receive the award Tuesday at a conference in New Orleans, said the honor is bittersweet.
“It’s hard for me to accept an award when it’s a team effort,” DeAndrea said. “These are the greatest guys I’ve ever worked shoulder-to-shoulder with.
“This team is really deserving of the award.”
The Police Service Awards were established by Parade and IACP in 1966 to recognize specific acts of valor, consistent service above and beyond the call of duty, development of innovative programs, and significant service to the community apart from police work.
The award cites DeAndrea for helping to rescue Platte Canyon hostages.
Emily Keyes, 16, who was shot and killed by gunman Duane Morrison as the SWAT team burst into the classroom, was the “true hero,” DeAndrea said.
Emily relayed messages from the gunman and kept things calm.
The award states that DeAndrea helped to raise money for the Keyes family and other hostages and raised awareness for organ donation.
The award said the 14-year Arvada police veteran ensured his fellow officers received counseling. DeAndrea knew from his experience at Columbine that counseling after a traumatic incident was critical.
“He is one of our most decorated officers,” Arvada police spokeswoman Susan Medina said.
DeAndrea has received five medals of valor, one distinguished service award, two meritorious service awards and two unit citations.
“I’ve been very fortunate,” said DeAndrea, who serves as a patrol sergeant in addition to his SWAT duties.
Jefferson County Sheriff Ted Mink said DeAndrea is “an exceptional police officer and has been very dedicated and very professional. He knows his craft very, very well, and he lends his expertise, knowledge and skills to make the team better.”
More important, Mink said, DeAndrea is “a good person, a good husband and a good father.”
DeAndrea said that when he was growing up in Arvada, he looked up to Denver SWAT.
“You migrate to an area in law enforcement that you like,” and tactical police work appealed to him, DeAndrea said.
SWAT work, he added, “means you actually make a difference every time we’re called upon.”
Ann Schrader: 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com
