Before Dec. 4, I knew nothing about the Bruce Haugsdahl Awards Luncheon, an annual celebration that Kiwanis Club of Memphis hosts to honor local first responders, especially those who have been injured or killed in the line of duty.
The event flies under the radar — when I introduced myself as covering it for The Tri-State Defender, multiple Kiwanis members were thrilled. “This doesn’t usually get a lot of press,” one member said. “It’s nice to see these first responders get some attention.”
The Bruce Haugsdahl Awards Luncheon may fly under the radar, but its significance looms large. It’s a moment to pause and honor the first responders who willingly run toward danger, risking their lives for the sake of others. It’s also a reminder of the weight they carry daily — and of the challenges that our community must address to lighten their burden.
Awards went to one first responder each from the Memphis Fire Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis Police Department — heroes who literally risked life and limb in the line of duty. Before each presentation, we heard the stories of the events that led to this honor, and no surprise, it was moving; sober, but not somber.
But as I listened to each story, I couldn’t help but think about how each story had something to say about the social ills Memphis is facing — and those who are the first to respond when the inevitable call for help comes.
Bravery Under (ACTUAL) Fire
The first story was that of Firefighter Brian De Los Santos, who, on September 23, 2023, risked his life to rescue a seven-year-old girl trapped inside a burning house.
“Visibility was extremely low,” Fire Chief Gina Sweat recounted, describing the scene. “He felt his way around the mattress on the floor and then he found the couch, and under which he discovered a small person that was half under the couch.”
Without hesitation, pulled the child to safety, demonstrating the courage and selflessness that define the very best of first responders. Their job is inherently dangerous, and they face life-threatening situations every day. Stories like De Los Santos’ are emblematic of the selflessness that defines first responders.
While their heroics often go unnoticed, the reality is that these men and women stand as the last line of defense when tragedy strikes. Yet, their bravery also raises questions: are we, as a city, doing enough to support these heroes?
From adequate funding and equipment to mental health resources for the toll such work takes, their sacrifices compel us to reflect on how we can better stand behind those who stand for us — as the next story showed.
“ . . . A Routine Traffic Stop . . “
The next story, honoring Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Connors, is a sobering reminder of how quickly a routine situation can spiral into chaos. On June 24, 2023, Connors was severely injured during what began as a routine traffic stop for speeding.
The driver, carrying narcotics, became agitated and attempted to flee. Connors acted swiftly, trying to prevent the escape by reaching into the vehicle to pull the driver out. In a matter of seconds, the situation turned violent as the driver accelerated, dragging Connors and leaving him with severe injuries to both legs.
Connors’ recovery has been long and grueling, but his resilience has brought him back to work, now serving as a detective. His story is a testament to the dangers first responders face daily, even in seemingly routine moments — and how swiftly circumstances change.
When Seconds Become Life or Death
Deputy Connors’ story is harrowing enough, but the final honoree of the day, Officer Joseph McKinney, reminds us how these officers MUST be on edge as they approach a vehicle.
On April 12, 2024, Officer McKinney and his fellow officers responded to a call about an abandoned, stolen car. It seemed straightforward, the kind of incident officers deal with every day.
But as they approached, they discovered two people inside. Moments later, bullets are flying — one suspect was holding a Glock modified to fire automatically. McKinney, along with two other officers, was struck in the gunfire. While his colleagues survived, McKinney tragically succumbed to his injuries.
During the ceremony, McKinney’s mother, Tina McKinney, accepted the posthumous award on her son’s behalf, a moment that underscored the personal and collective grief that accompanies such sacrifices. She didn’t speak, but she didn’t need to — her silent grief filled the room — especially in a holiday season.
A Thin Line Between Routine and Crisis
These awards celebrate the courage of first responders, but they also remind us of the immense risks they face every day.
Firefighter De Los Santos went BACK IN to save lives. And both Connors and McKinney’s stories highlight the razor-thin line between routine and crisis in the lives of first responders. Whether it’s a reckless driver or a dangerous weapon, these situations can escalate in seconds, leaving little time to react. For the men and women on the front lines, this is the reality they face every day.
These stories compel us to consider how we, as a city, can better support our first responders. From addressing reckless driving to cracking down on illegal gun modifications, Memphis must act to reduce the dangers these heroes face daily.
And when one of them is hurt or even killed in the line of duty, we owe it to them and those they love to come running.
