Two Astoria Police officers receive medals of valor

Astoria Police officer Chris McNeary received his second Medal of Valor Thursday, along with first-time award winner former officer Joe Symonds, for their involvement in the Yevgeniy Savinskiy shooting at the Lamplighter Motel in 2012.

The two men were the first responding officers to the scene when the Russian-born Washougal, Wash., man opened the motel room door while holding an automatic weapon. Both officers fired at the man, who then fled the room and led police on a high-speed chase down the coast that ended on U.S. Highway 26.

Savinskiy was charged last year with attempted murder of both men, as well as a slew of other charges, that landed him more than 34 years in prison.

“Officer McNeary’s calm, professional action under fire is a credit to him, this department and his profession,” Deputy Chief Brad Johnston said. While presenting Symonds’ award, he added, “Officer Symonds’ quick action and determined efforts to stop Savinskiy from causing harm to the others is a credit to him, the department and his profession. …

“There’s no doubt they saved each other’s lives.”

McNeary said he is certain that Symonds’ actions did save his life, “without a doubt.” Symonds’ returned with the same exchange. “I guess it was the Friday before, we had done a range (training) and everything that we learned at that range, we had an opportunity to use that Sunday,” Symonds said of the Feb. 12, 2012 incident. “If it wasn’t for the expert training given to me by Officer McNeary and other officers here at this department, and also both of our commitments to the safety of ourselves and other officers, the outcome would have been a lot worse.”

The Medal of Valor is the highest honor at the department. It has been awarded five times in the past, Johnston said, including McNeary’s previous award.

Along with Symonds and McNeary, other officers received awards for their accomplishments while on the job.

Officers McNeary and Jason Robinson received the Notice of Recognition.

Officer Corey Gerig received the Notice of Achievement.

Detective Sgt. Eric Halverson and Officer Andrew Randall were awarded the Distinguished Service commendation.

Officer Ken Hansen received the Meritory Service commendation.