Off-duty police officer who stopped mall stabbing lauded as a hero

Off-duty Avon police officer Jason Falconer was shopping for vitamins and a gift for his son at Crossroads Center mall when he heard commotion caused by a man on a stabbing spree.

Falconer stopped the mall assailant on Sept. 17, 2016, and he's been branded a hero for his actions that day. 

He received the Congressional Badge of Bravery Award Thursday at the St. Cloud Police Department. Congressman Tom Emmer, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith presented Falconer with the award. 

"His action in the face of danger, even when he wasn't on duty, is the definition of bravery," Klobuchar said. He's the first Minnesotan to receive the honor, which has been around for 10 years to celebrate exceptional acts of bravery by law enforcement officers. 

Local and federal officials thanked Falconer for saving lives and stopping the threat posed by Dahir Adan, who stabbed and injured 10 people in the mall that day. Adan advanced on Falconer, who then shot and killed him. 

RELATED: Victims chased Crossroads Center mall stabber

"You became a hero when you raised your hand and became a police officer for the first time. You defined what a hero means when you took the actions that you took on September 17," said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. "There is no doubt in my mind that you saved lives."

Falconer's family attended the ceremony. And friends and colleagues highlighted his humility. 

"I have been avoiding all the media," Falconer said. He thought the fallout was over until he received word he'd receive the Badge of Bravery . 

"I appreciate this honor," he said. "It's over, done. We move on."

Officials thanked and honored other law enforcement officers who take risks every day and their families who bear anxiety about those risks.

READ: A year later, Crossroads mall stabbings investigation drags on 

"Being a police officer, being a member of law enforcement, it doesn't have anything to do with the uniform that you wear or the shift that you take," Emmer said. "Even off duty, out of uniform, that mindset — protection and service and bravery — it never gets taken off."

Speakers at the ceremony remembered where they were when they learned of the stabbing. They reflected on how the community came together to heal after it.

St. Cloud Police Assistant Chief Jeff Oxton took a moment to acknowledge the victims and witnesses of the incident. 

"We wish them continued health and wellness in their recovery, both physically and emotionally, from this tragic event," Oxton said. "We keep you in our hearts and prayers."

Nora G. Hertel: 320-255-8746 and on Twitter @nghertel. 

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Updates: Falconer to receive Congressional Badge of Bravery for stopping stabbing rampage

Off-duty cop who stopped St. Cloud mall stabber to get federal honor