TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Three men who stepped into harm’s way and stopped the suspect in the July 2025 stabbing attack at a Grand Traverse County Walmart have received honors from the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association.

During the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Summer Conference on June 7, Grand Traverse County Sheriff Mike Shea presented the Citizens Medal of Valor to Derrick Perry and Matthew Kolakowski for their actions during the July 2025 attack. A third recipient, David Kelly, was unable to attend the ceremony. Representatives from more than 60 Michigan counties attended the conference.

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Perry, Kolakowski, and Kelly helped apprehend Bradford Gille during the stabbing attack that injured 11 people. Sheriff Shea previously praised the bystanders’ actions, saying their intervention helped stop the attack.

The 43-year-old Gille has been found mentally competent to stand trial and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 29, for a status conference. He faces one count of terrorism and 11 counts of assault with intent to murder. Investigators say he stabbed shoppers at random inside the store.