The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania presented former Pittsburgh police officer Daniel Mead with the Hometown Hero Award on Wednesday, May 20, for his actions during the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.

The award, which is offered in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, “honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service and civic responsibility, and is bestowed in recognition of brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded,” a release said.

Mead, who is now retired, and his partner, Michael Smidge, were first to arrive at the Tree of Life synagogue during the Oct. 27, 2018, shooting, in which 11 people were killed and six were wounded. Mead approached the entrance and observed the shooter before being shot through the hand.

“Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures,” U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti said in the release. “On the morning of Oct. 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.”