Farmington, N.M. – Farmington police recognized Shannon Begay today with the Outstanding Citizen Award for her brave actions while helping a fellow citizen.

On March 21, 2021, around 5:36 a.m., Ms. Begay heard gunshots outside her apartment, followed by a man calling for help. She rushed outside and found a man with a gunshot wound to his arm. Ms. Begay immediately applied pressure to his injury and called 911 for assistance. She tended his wound and stayed with him until officers arrived. The man attempted to stop thieves from stealing his motorcycle parked in front of the apartment building while armed with a .22 caliber pistol. One of the subjects bear-hugged the man from behind, forcing the gun into his arm as the gun went off. The subjects left the scene immediately after the gun was fired. The man was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he was treated. The case is still under investigation by Farmington detectives.

Ms. Begay says she was quick to jump into action after attending active shooter training with Farmington Police Department’s District Coordinator Unit through her employer. She credits the training she received from Officer Michele DeLese for helping her “mind go there, so her body could follow.” One of the officers who responded to the call had the opportunity to meet Ms. Begay later at a tabletop training and hear her story. Officer Zack Wood then nominated Ms. Begay for the Outstanding Citizen Award. FPD is honored to recognize Ms. Begay for her actions and bravery. 

Any businesses interested in the FPD DCU officers bringing the active shooter training to their employees can contact Officer Robert Decker via email at rdecker@fmtn.org to arrange COVID-19 safe classes. The DCU officers will begin training that is open to the public again at a later date, depending on COVID-19 precautions.