Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — Five members of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office were honored on Thursday by the Police Officers Association of Michigan (P.O.A.M.) at their annual conference in Grand Rapids. Detective Mark Easter and Deputies Thomas Brower, Katie Love, Cameron Breining, and Santos DeLaCruz received the P.O.A.M. Officer of the Year Award for their response efforts on November 6, 2024.

On that day, officers were called to assist in the apprehension of Jacob Hikes, a suspect wanted for shooting his brother in Lenawee County earlier that afternoon. Hikes, armed and fleeing in a maroon van, led officers through a high-speed chase across Jackson’s east side, opening fire on police within the first minute of pursuit and throwing pipe bombs from his vehicle. Several patrol cars and homes were struck by gunfire during the chase.

Amid the pursuit, a Jackson City Police Sergeant was shot. Deputy Breining acted immediately, applying a tourniquet and transporting the wounded sergeant to Henry Ford Jackson Hospital, likely saving his life.

The pursuit concluded after Hikes crashed his vehicle and engaged in a final exchange of gunfire. Detective Mark Easter took a tactical position and helped bring the situation under control. Once the suspect was down, Deputies Love and Brower provided immediate medical aid, performing CPR after securing the scene. Deputy DeLaCruz was critical in maintaining scene security and assisting with response efforts.

They were each recognized for their extraordinary bravery and professionalism during a high-risk pursuit that put the lives of civilians and fellow officers in immediate danger.