By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Police Officer Joseph Keller received recognition from the City Council this month for his efforts in rescuing a child following a deadly shooting near Sunrise Mall.
Keller received a Distinguished Service Medal for his acts of bravery following a shooting in the Birdcage Apartment complex on May 23, 2022, when Keller led Citrus Heights Police officers and Sacramento County Sheriff’s deputies into an apartment to rescue a two-year-old child from a violent situation, according to the city.
See original story: Police investigating fatal Monday-night gun battle in Citrus Heights
During an April 11 council meeting, Mayor Bret Daniels presented a proclamation by the city recognizing Keller, which read in part:
“Keller, without knowing if an armed subject could be lying in wait, constructed a sensible working plan and coordinated efforts with his teammates, to safely rescue a traumatized child from a violent situation; whereas his ability to remain calm and professional and perform well in a stressful situation, involving the threat of imminent danger to himself or others, by using exceptional tactics and judgement, police officer Joseph Keller was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal; whereas the city of Citrus Heights wants to recognize and honor police officer Joseph Keller… and acknowledge his commendable acts of service.”
Keller received a standing ovation following the proclamation. Mayor Bret Daniels praised Keller for taking action when necessary. Councilmember Porsche Middleton congratulated Keller and praised him for his compassion, quick thinking, and strong leadership. Councilmember Tim Schaefer commended Keller for his courageous actions.
“As chief of police, I could not be more proud of the men and women that serve in this community,” Citrus Heights Chief of Police Alex Turcotte said following the proclamation, adding that Keller and other officers don’t serve the community for accolades or recognition, but “they do it because it’s the right thing to do.”
Turcotte said Keller served in the Citrus Heights Police Department for “the better part of a decade” but took a brief hiatus to work with another community before returning to Citrus Heights this month. During his hiatus, police presented Keller with a Distinguished Service Medal, but now that Keller has returned, Turcotte said the department wanted to publicly acknowledge both Keller and the entire team of officers.
The 20-year-old who was killed during the shooting was later identified as Jacob Lopez, who was an aspiring rap artist. The other man involved in the shooting was identified as Tony Diaz, but Fox40 reported last year that the District Attorney’s office said there was not enough evidence to press murder charges. Diaz pled “no contest” to felony possession of a machine gun and was sentenced to 180 days in jail and two years probation.
Read more: More details emerge in fatal shooting of 20-year-old Citrus Heights rap artist
