Metro Police honors officers who have risked their lives

It has been about a year since Metro Police Sgt. Tabitha Baker was severely beaten while trying to arrest a robbery suspect.

As she attempted to handcuff the man, he threatened to kill her and punched her in the face several times, breaking her teeth, according to police. Despite the beating, Baker still pursued the suspect.

At its annual Best of the Badge ceremony on Friday, Metro will recognize 40 officers, including Baker, who have risked their lives on the job.

Baker will be receiving the Purple Heart, which honors officers who have sustained substantial injury while performing their duties.

“Most people don’t know what our officers do on a daily basis and how they risk their lives,” Metro spokeswoman Jennifer Knight said. “In some cases, we may not even realize what extent we could have been affected.”

The event at Red Rock Resort is sponsored by the Friends of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Foundation. It is the organization’s largest fundraiser to help pay for unfunded officer training, equipment and community programs.