Sheriff presents Medal of Heroism to Metro bus driver Eric Stark

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht presents Eric Stark
the very first Sheriff's Medal of Heroism

Friday, King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht presented the very first Sheriff’s Medal of Heroism to Metro Bus Operator Eric Stark.

Stark was shot through the windshield of his coach on March 27, 2019 by a gunman in Seattle's Lake City neighborhood.

Despite his wounds, Stark kept calm and backed the 40 foot coach, and it’s passengers, around the corner to safety. His bravery saved several lives, including his own.

Sheriff Johanknecht created the Medal of Heroism for civilian members of the community and non-sworn members of KCSO who, in the highest traditions of community service, perform an extraordinary act of bravery or heroism. It is our department’s highest civilian award.

A special medal is being commissioned which will be presented to Stark and future recipients.