Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor Awarded to Deputy Brad Bush

The Alabama House and Senate came together Thursday, April 17 to honor Shelby County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Bush. Deputy was awarded the Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor during a joint legislative session.

Deputy Bush was joined by Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego, Chief Clay Hammac and his family for the ceremony. Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, Speaker of the House Nathanial Ledbetter, Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger and other Legislators and dignitaries were in attendance. Representative Russell Bedsole introduced Deputy Bush to the chamber.

The full text of the Resolution conferring the award is as follows:

HR219, COMMENDING DEPUTY BRAD BUSH AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2025 ALABAMA LEGISLATIVE MEDAL OF HONOR FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

WHEREAS, it is with highest commendations that we recognize Deputy Brad Bush as the recipient of the 2025 Alabama Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, Alabama's highest law enforcement award, which is awarded for extraordinary courage in the line of duty; and

WHEREAS, on February 17, 2024, Shelby County 911  received a call from a concerned resident who had received what was described as an accidental phone call from an elderly neighbor who was in a verbal dispute with her adult grandson; the resident reported hearing the adult verbally abusing his grandmother and stating that he would kill law enforcement if they came to their home; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Brad Bush, along with one other Sheriff's Office deputy, arrived at the residence and made contact with a male just outside the front door; the male told deputies everything at the home was fine and there was not a problem; Deputy Bush noted some signs of deception and a bulge in the front pocket of the male's sweatshirt that was consistent with a handgun; Deputy Bush moved toward the male to conduct a "pat-down" search as the subject began to move away and place his right hand into the front pocket of his hoodie sweatshirt; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Bush moved in from behind to grab the right hand and wrist of the male as the subject continued to turn away from Deputy Bush; Deputy Bush locked his grip onto the wrist of the male who was beginning to draw a semi-automatic handgun from his pocket; the loaded handgun fully emerged from the pocket of the male, and he began to 36 raise it in the direction of the other deputy on the scene  who was moving in to assist; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Bush kept his tight grip on the male's wrist with just one of his own hands and worked to keep the subject from raising the gun further; as the struggle ensued, the male was able to fire a round from his handgun, piercing the jacket of the other deputy; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Bush refused to give up his grip on the male and was able to take him to the ground; he laid on the ground with control of the subject's weapon until both deputies were able to get the weapon and take the subject into custody; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Brad Bush's keen observations and quick actions on this day is credited for potentially saving the life of a Shelby County Deputy, who in an attempt to subdue the suspect had placed himself in extreme danger; Deputy Bush was committed to not letting the subject get out of his grasp and be able to use his weapon on the deputies; and

WHEREAS, for his heroic actions and extreme bravery in the face of danger, Deputy Brad Bush is highly honored and deserving to be recognized with the 2025 Legislative Medal of Honor; now therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That we hereby recognize and honor Deputy Brad Bush as the recipient of the 2025 Legislative Medal of Honor for Law Enforcement, and we dedicate this resolution to him in utmost gratitude, admiration, and 64 esteem.