Three Covington police officers to be honored for heroism

COVINGTON, Ky. - Three Covington police officers will be honored Tuesday night for their bravery in the field.

Officer Michael Gilliand, Specialist Mark Richardson, Sgt. Brian Steffen and Sgt. Kevin Brady were involved in a shootout on Sep. 28, 2012 . During the incident, Richardson was shot after four officers responded to reports of a robbery near the intersection of Benton Road and Todd Court in the City Heights area. Pharo Wilson, 26, started firing shots at the officers suddenly and police returned fire.

Richardson was shot in the foot during the exchange and was taken to University Hospital.

Wilson was later arrested in the 7500 block of Colerain Ave. at the Fireside Motel.

Because of their heroic acts Steffen, Brady and Gilliand are being awarded "The Covington Police Department's Citation for Bravery."

Richardson will be presented with "The Cleophus John Eifert Award," for wounds sustained, while carrying out a law enforcement action, on behalf of the people of the city of Covington.

These awards will be presented at the Covington City Commission meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m.