Perry, armed with a small pistol, was captured on a now-viral video advancing on suspect Bradford James Gille in the store’s parking lot. “Drop it. Throw the knife now. Throw it away,” Perry ordered, holding the attacker at gunpoint until police arrived. Gille, seen backing away, ultimately complied. Thanks to Perry’s presence of mind, no further injuries were reported after the initial chaos.

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Now, a grateful community is getting behind the hero on a local Facebook page to give both thanks and appreciation to Perry and the other men in the parking lot who confronted the suspect. Grateful businesses are also finding a way to say thanks.

Gifts of gratitude for real-life heroes.

Huron Valley Guns in New Hudson, Michigan is offering Perry a brand-new Glock 43x MOS in recognition of his brave and level-headed actions. Meanwhile, the Iron Pig Smokehouse in Gaylord has announced they are giving Perry – and the other good Samaritans who helped detain the suspect – free Iron Pig for life.

“These folks were real first responders the other day,” the smokehouse shared on Facebook. “Amazing courage, and outstanding restraint. The best of our communities come out during these times. Thank God for people like this in every community.”

Grand Traverse County and Traverse City law enforcement commends heroic actions.

In talking about the heroes at Walmart who apprehended the suspect until law enforcement could arrive, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Michael Shea told reporters at a press conference on Sunday, ”What they did was amazing.”

Traverse City Police Chief Lauren Gilbert praised Perry saying, “Had he not stepped in when he did, the situation could’ve turned much worse. He likely saved lives.” According to the news media company Mint, city officials are reportedly preparing to honor Derrick Perry with a Community Hero Award in the coming days.

Calls for recognition.

Perry’s family, too, is bursting with pride. His daughter-in-law, Riley Blankenship, posted on Facebook: “So happy to be this man’s daughter-in-law! True hero! So proud of him for protecting so many today.”

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Hundreds online are calling for Perry to receive official honors, from the Presidential Medal of Freedom to being named Grand Marshal of the National Cherry Festival Parade.

While Perry has remained silent about the incident so far, the gravity of what he did is not lost on the community he helped protect. In a terrifying moment, he chose to act – not out of bravado, but with calm determination and the steady instincts of a Marine. Oorah! Once a Marine, always a Marine.