A Lieutenant with the Appleton Police Department has been awarded the Medal of Valor after being attacked last year outside the police station.
The incident occurred on March 31st of last year at around 4:15 AM, which is when LT. Ty West saw a vehicle parked near the department that had been tailing his squad car earlier in the morning.
West attempted to talk to the man, identified as 51-year-old Kaukauna resident Troy VanGrinsven, but he ran toward West, stabbing the officer in the neck, shoulder, and back.
West was able to restrain VanGrinsven with the help of other officers, and for his bravery earned the first Medal of Valor in the history of the Appleton Police Department.
VanGrisven is still awaiting trial for the incident on charges of Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, Battery or Threat to a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm, and Resisting or Obstructing an Officer.
