A routine evening in Denver-Lakewood turned perilous when gunfire erupted. The difference between tragedy and safety? Officer Ashley Ferris and her incredible act of bravery.
December 27, 2021, seemed like an ordinary evening in Denver-Lakewood, Colorado. Little did anyone know that a harrowing incident was about to unfold, eventually involving the Denver police.
The horror began at a Wells Fargo bank. An unsuspecting female customer and another woman became the shooter’s initial targets during a robbery. Shots fired, sowing terror and confusion.
In the midst of this turmoil, one courageous figure responded to the call for help - police agent Ashley Ferris, along with her fellow officers involved.
Ashley Ferris and other officers confronted the shooter, and a lethal exchange of gunfire followed. Despite being hit in the stomach, nothing deterred Ferris. Her police vest provided some protection, but it was her courage that made the difference.
She returned fire, fatally wounding the shooter, Michael Swinyard, and ending the rampage.
As the dust settled after the shootout, the magnitude of Officer Ferris’s heroism was revealed. Despite being injured, she had managed to save numerous lives, including a security guard, as the officer carried him to safety.
Her swift actions and bravery prevented further loss of life in an already tragic event.
Officer Ferris’s path to recovery was fraught with obstacles. She had to overcome not only the physical trauma of gunshot wounds but also the emotional scars left by the harrowing incident.
The recovery process for Officer Ferris included:
This comprehensive approach to her recovery demonstrates her resilience.
The mental toll of such a distressing event should not be downplayed. Ferris recalled the mental health support she received, engaging in therapy for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). She was taught various coping mechanisms such as talking to colleagues who had been through similar situations, preventing emotional suppression, and enhancing coping skills.
While we commemorate Officer Ferris’s bravery, we must not forget the victims of the shooting.
The Denver-Lakewood community united in their grief, reminiscing and paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the harrowing incident.
Memorials and tributes were established in honor of the fallen police officers. At the Lakewood Police Department, a Fallen Officer Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifice made by the victims.
The Denver-Lakewood community also rallied together and offered support and donations through the Colorado Healing Fund.
The tragic event underscored the necessity for constant vigilance and readiness to confront potential threats. It sparked proactive efforts to enhance community safety, including the use of private security, and fostered a greater awareness of the importance of analyzing and disseminating critical incident data to improve law enforcement strategies.
The valor of Officer Ferris did not escape recognition. She was honored with several awards for her incredible heroism, both locally and nationally.
These recognitions serve to remind us of the valor of those who risk their lives to protect us every day.
The Lakewood Police Department awarded Ferris, a dedicated law enforcement officer, with the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund named her Officer of the Month. These awards are a testament to her exceptional bravery and dedication to her duty.
Recognizing acts of heroism is essential to lifting spirits, instilling pride and accomplishment, and serving as a strong drive. For Officer Ferris, these awards and recognitions not only honored her bravery but also highlighted the noble service of law enforcement, leading to increased support and appreciation for their work.
The incident at Lakewood instigated considerable enhancements in public safety protocols and police strategies, with the involvement of a Lakewood police agent and a patrol car serving as a catalyst for change. This prompted policy changes and inspired the introduction of comprehensive training programs.
Following the shooting, police strategies were upgraded to efficiently counter ambush-style assaults. Comprehensive training programs, such as the ALICE Training program and the Active Shooter Threat Instructor Training Program (ASTITP), were introduced to strengthen response capabilities.
The event further underscored the significance of community readiness. The city of Lakewood took proactive measures, including:
As we reflect on the harrowing incident, we’re reminded of Officer Ashley Ferris’s extraordinary bravery. Her actions on that fateful night saved lives, and her journey to recovery is a testament to her resilience. We honor the victims of the shooting and commend the Denver-Lakewood community for their unity and strength in the face of adversity.
Officer Ashley Ferris bravely engaged the shooter in a gunfight, managing to return fire and ultimately bringing an end to the threat. Her courage and quick action saved lives in the situation.
Officer Ashley Ferris underwent medical treatment, including surgeries, and physical rehabilitation, as well as mental health support to cope with the trauma. She is on the path to recovery.
The Denver-Lakewood community honored the shooting victims by organizing memorial services, establishing memorials at the shooting locations, and providing support and donations through the Colorado Healing Fund. These actions brought the community together to remember and support those affected.
Officer Ashley Ferris received the Purple Heart and Medal of Valor from the Lakewood Police Department, as well as the Officer of the Month award from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund for her bravery.
The Lakewood shooting incident has led to improved law enforcement tactics and comprehensive training programs, as well as proactive measures in preparedness within the community, such as the formation of citizen response groups and coordinated emergency efforts by local volunteers.
