Sheriff's Department Awards Medals Of Valor To Deputies Who Fought Gun Battle With Christopher Dorner

RANCHO CUCAMONGA (CBSLA.com) — The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department honored the deputies who fought gun battles with Christopher Dorner.

The men, including one posthumously, were honored for saving lives.

The deputies were all awarded prestigious medals of valor.

Thirty-five medals were given out.

KCAL's Rachel Kim said the most thunderous applause was reserved for the family of Jeremiah MacKay. He was killed in the line of duty in a gun battle with Dorner.

When MacKay's name was read, in fact, he was given a standing ovation. His wife Lynette and their daughter accepted the award on his behalf.

Deputy Alex Collins also received a large ovation.

He was shot multiple times and had to undergo several surgeries. Collins is now back on the job after extensive rehabilitation.

"We were all on the rescue ship that day as the search for Dorner was going on," said Reserve Deputy and Doctor Michael Guirguis.

He also earned a medal for his efforts. Dr. Guirguis was with two paramedics and they tended to the wounded.

"We were able to transport Jeremiah MacKay who succumbed to his injuries. I was face to face with Alex talking to him the whole time while Shane and Brad were placing IV's and getting him stabilized."

Dr. Guirguis calls Collins' recovery a miracle. He is happy to see him return to active duty.

He told Kim he was humbled to accept an award for "You look around who was on stage with us, amongst heroes. It's an honor to be able to get that."