Atchison Police received two gold valor awards for their actions during a hostage standoff last year. Master Patrol Officer Wyatt Richardson and the Atchison Police Department Special Response Team were honored for their bravery during the incident. Richardson responded to an armed break-in and was fired upon by the suspect, but managed to secure the area and help residents to safety. The suspect barricaded inside an apartment with a hostage, leading to a multi-agency response that resulted in the safe rescue of the hostage. The collaborative effort of Atchison Police, Kansas Highway Patrol, and Kansas Bureau of Investigation special response teams was recognized during the awards ceremony.
