NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Two bills filed in the Tennessee General Assembly honor the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), including the leadership of Chief John Drake and the heroism by Officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo.

House Joint Resolution 504 is sponsored by Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Nashville-56). The resolution specifically honors Officers Collazo and Engelbert, stating "our nation was conceived by individuals who were willing to sacrifice their personal safety and concerns to ensure our individual and collective freedom, and the Volunteer State is especially proud to be the home of so many valiant men and women who have performed above and beyond the call of duty."

The resolution continues with "two such individuals are Officer Rex Engelbert and Officer Michael Collazo of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), who, along with their fellow officers and State and federal law enforcement officials, have rightfully been hailed as heroes for their actions in neutralizing an active shooter at the Covenant School in Nashville on March 27, 2023, that undoubtedly saved countless lives."

The resolution goes on to acknowledge the department as a whole for what some have stated will be the 'playbook' for how police agencies respond to active shooter situation, noting how officers quickly made entry and rushed towards gunfire, fatally wounding the shooter. "We owe these officers a profound debt of gratitude for their selfless devotion, valor, and composure under unimaginable pressure and life-threatening circumstances," the bill states before calling for commendations for the two officers in addition to all of MNPD, State, and federal law enforcement.

House Joint Resolution 503, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby-11), shares similar sentiments but differs in acknowledging MNPD Chief John Drake by name in addition to Officers Collazo and Engelbert. "Tragically, the assailant's heinous and cowardly act cost the lives of three innocent young children and three adults, but the aftermath may well have been even greater if not for the heroic actions of Metro Nashville Police Officers, who neutralized the shooter within fifteen minutes of the initial shots being fired," the resolution states.

The resolution adds "the swift and organized police response orchestrated by Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake and his commanding officers most assuredly prevented further loss of life...we owe these men and women a profound debt of gratitude for their selfless devotion, valor, and composure under unimaginable pressure and life-threatening circumstances."

In Congress, State Representative Andy Ogles has also submitted House Resolution 2440 at the federal level, calling on Congress to " award Congressional Gold Medals to Metropolitan Police Officers Officer Michael Collazo and Officer Rex Englebert, in recognition of their exceptional bravery and valor in confronting an active shooter at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee."

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