Rigoberto Villarroel

In October 2021, off-duty police officer Rigoberto Villarroel was with his family when he overheard a woman urgently calling for police assistance. Approaching her, he learned that an individual was attacking civilians in a nearby store using a bow with steel-tipped arrows and a knife. The woman also revealed that she had been injured.

Without hesitation, Rigoberto entered the store unarmed and without protective gear, placing himself in immense danger. Once inside, he successfully evacuated several individuals before being struck by an arrow that pierced 9 cm into his back, narrowly missing critical organs.

Despite his injuries, Rigoberto managed to hold off the attacker for several minutes until a patrol arrived. Even with an arrow still lodged in his back, he was later seen continuing to evacuate people from the nearby area.

His heroic actions and selflessness were crucial in saving multiple lives. Tragically, five people lost their lives that day.

Due to COVID, the ceremony was held in early 2022.