Newport Police Officer Recognized

Newport Police Officer Jeremiah Mangum was honored this week with the Newport Police Department’s Life Saving Medal for his role in preventing a suicide earlier this year. Newport Chief of Police Jason Malloy told the mayor and council he considers it a privilege to recognize actions that go beyond routine duty. “As I said before, I do have the greatest job in the world, getting to be the police chief of Newport, and because of the people that I get to work with, but every once in a while I get to recognize someone extraordinary,” Malloy said as he called Officer Mangum forward.

Chief Malloy read the citation into the record, shortly before 8 a.m. on January 23, 2026, Mangum responded to a 911 call reporting a semi-conscious man who had attempted suicide by cutting his arms. The man was found outside a building on Southwest Second Street with significant blood loss. Mangum quickly assessed the situation, determined that simple pressure would not stop the bleeding, and applied more advanced measures to control the severe wound until EMS arrived. The man was then transported to the hospital for further care.

The citation states that Mangum’s actions directly assisted in preventing the loss of life and met the department’s definition and requirements for awarding the Life Saving Medal, recognizing his diligence, perseverance, and devotion to duty. The chief noted that Mangum is now authorized to wear and display the department’s Life Saving Medal. Mayor Jan Kaplan thanked Mangum during the presentation, underscoring the city’s appreciation for his response. “You’ve earned that. Thank you so much,” Kaplan said.