WASHINGTON — A dozen public safety officers received the nation’s highest honor for bravery from President Donald Trump on Tuesday, including six individuals who responded after a married couple shot and killed 14 people in San Bernardino, Calif., more than two years ago.
“Through your service and sacrifice we are reminded that America’s greatest treasure is her people,” Trump said at a White House ceremony before he clasped the Medal of Valor around each man’s neck. “In your courage we see America’s strength and in your character we see America’s soul.”
The Medal of Valor is the nation’s highest award for public safety officers who risk their lives attempting to save or protect others.
Six of the individuals who were recognized by the president responded in December 2015 after 28-year-old Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, 27-year-old Tashfeen Malik, opened fire on a holiday gathering at a social services center in San Bernardino, killing 14 people and wounding more than 20 others.
Farook and Malik fled the scene but died in a shootout with police.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — U.S. Military Academy West Point is posthumously admitting Florida school shooting victim Peter Wang, who dreamed of attending the prestigious academy.
Wang could have been in the Class of 2025. The 15-year-old’s funeral was Tuesday.
West Point will confer a letter of admission, along with honorarium tokens, to his family, local West Point alumni Chad Maxey said.
Wang died in his JROTC uniform, holding the door open to allow others to escape, as gunman Nikolas Cruz shot and killed 17 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, authorities and witnesses said.
Wang’s funeral was scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1655 N. University Drive in Coral Springs. He will be laid to rest at Bailey Memorial Gardens in North Lauderdale.
“He was a JROTC Cadet who was last seen, in uniform, holding doors open and thus allowing other students, teachers, and staff to flee to safety. Wang was killed in the process. His selfless and heroic actions have led to the survival of dozens in the area. Wang died a hero, and deserves to be treated as such, and deserves a full honors military burial.”
Maxey said a local veteran group read of Wang’s dream of attending the academy, and confirmed with a cousin that it was true. He said Capt. Shahin Uddin was flown to South Florida to provide the posthumous letter to the family.
“This story … has kindled so many hearts for action in a time when things have felt so hopeless,” Maxey said in a text message.
Wang has two younger brothers. His parents own a restaurant in Pompano Beach.
BOSTON — A Massachusetts lawmaker has introduced a bill that would bar non-disclosure and forced arbitration agreements, calling them “silencing tactics.”
Democratic state Rep. Diana DiZoglio says her bill would cover issues related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She says the agreements currently in place send a message that those with enough money and power can “get away with these misdeeds.”
The Boston Herald reports her bill would also prevent companies from firing or not hiring employees if they refuse to sign such agreements.
The Associated Industries of Massachusetts claims in its opposition to the bill barring arbitration agreements would “drag out disputes” in the workplace. They declined a request from the Herald for an interview.
DiZoglio’s bill is currently in the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development.