Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Sun
Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard Joe Gardner illustrates on a monitor how he was hit by a shotgun blast from Johnny Lee Wicks while testifying Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, during the coroner’s inquest at the Regional Justice Center.
Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 | 1:31 p.m.
A veteran U.S. marshal wounded after a disgruntled Social Security recipient opened fire in a federal courthouse is receiving the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Richard Joseph Gardner is slated to receive the honor Thursday at the Lloyd D. George Courthouse, where he was on duty when Johnny Lee Wicks opened fire in the lobby in January 2010. Gardner and other marshals and court security officers pursued Wicks across Las Vegas Boulevard, where Wicks was shot and killed in the street.
The bravery badge is awarded by Congress to law enforcement officers who exhibit exceptional bravery in the line of duty. Nevada's congressional delegation requested that Gardner receive the honor.
U.S. Sen. Dean Heller and Rep. Joe Heck were expected to attend the award ceremony.
"Deputy Gardner's quick thinking prevented more tragedy that day," said Heck's office in a statement.
Security footage showed Wicks, 66, pulled a 12-gauge shotgun from beneath his dark coat and fired three times. Authorities said Wicks was upset because his monthly Social Security benefits had been reduced.
Gardner, 50, was wounded in the head and face by a blast of birdshot pellets.
"He was the only one that was wounded," said Assistant Chief Deputy Marshal Javier Jimenez.
After the shooting, Gardner was appointed to a two-year term on the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Board. The seven-member board reviews and selects federal law enforcement officers for recognition for injuries received performing acts of bravery in the line of duty.
