Hillside Police Department Commends Officer for Bravery and Professionalism in High-Stakes Incident
The Hillside Police Department is proud to recognize and commend Officer Brian Reiter for his exceptional bravery, professionalism, and composure under pressure during a critical incident that took place on March 17, 2024.
At approximately 2:28 PM, Officer Reiter, alongside other Hillside officers, responded to a distress call from a local hotel concerning a domestic battery incident where the perpetrator had reportedly used a firearm. Understanding the urgency and potential danger of the situation, Officer Reiter promptly initiated a thorough search for the armed offender, who had escaped the hotel premises on foot.
Demonstrating remarkable courage and tactical acumen, Officer Reiter managed to locate the suspect single-handedly. Exhibiting both calmness and swift action, he successfully detained the armed individual, preventing any further threat until backup arrived. It was discovered that the offender, a convicted felon, was in possession of a loaded, stolen handgun and various illegal narcotics, leading to multiple serious felony charges, including Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Police Chief Dan Murphy stated, "Officer Reiter's exemplary conduct during this intense and dangerous encounter underscores the high standards of professionalism and dedication we cherish at the Hillside Police Department. His ability to remain composed and take decisive action not only led to the safe apprehension of a dangerous individual but also averted a potentially lethal confrontation."
The Hillside Police Department takes immense pride in acknowledging Officer Reiter's courageous and effective response, which reflects the core values of our force: integrity, courage, and commitment to community safety.
This incident stands as a testament to the bravery and professionalism that the men and women of the Hillside Police Department demonstrate daily. We are grateful for Officer Reiter's service and are confident that his actions will inspire others in our commitment to safeguarding our community.