Officer Cody Poppell Receives Medal of Valor Award

The Tallahassee officer earned the prestigious honor for his actions during an active shooter incident in 2025.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Officer Cody Poppell Receives Medal of Valor Award

Officer Cody Poppell received the 2026 State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Medal of Valor Award for his response to an active shooter. The recognition follows his actions on April 17, 2025, at Florida State University.

Why it matters

This award recognizes the decisive actions taken by Officer Poppell to protect the Tallahassee campus during a critical security threat. His intervention highlights the vital role of rapid law enforcement response in mitigating danger to the local community.

Officer Cody Poppell is formally recognized for his intervention in the April 17, 2025, active shooter incident. The state-level award acknowledges his role in ending the situation at Florida State University.

The players

Cody Poppell

Cody Poppell is a police officer who was recognized for his actions during a high-stakes campus security incident.

State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association

This organization represents leadership across law enforcement agencies and manages the annual Medal of Valor honors.

Florida State University

This Tallahassee institution is the site of the 2025 active shooter incident that led to the awarding of the medal.

The details

To reach the Florida State University campus quickly, Officer Poppell navigated his motorcycle over a sidewalk. Upon arriving at the scene, he fired multiple shots to end the active shooter situation.

April 17, 2025: Officer Poppell engaged in the active shooter situation at the Florida State University campus.
2026: Officer Poppell received the State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Medal of Valor Award.

Legal Context

This award follows the established standards set by the 2026 State Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Medal of Valor Award criteria. Such honors serve as a benchmark for recognizing exceptional bravery during critical law enforcement interventions in the state.

This incident and subsequent award highlight the readiness of local law enforcement to address extreme threats on the Florida State University campus. Residents can note that such honors reinforce the commitment to maintaining safety in Tallahassee.

The takeaway

Recognizing acts of valor provides essential context on how local law enforcement manages high-stakes situations in public spaces. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about campus security protocols to ensure ongoing community preparedness.