PRINCE FREDERICK, MD — Three deputies from the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office were awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor by the Board of Calvert County Commissioners on November 19, 2024, for their extraordinary bravery during a harrowing incident nearly two years ago.
The recognition comes after M/DFC James Flynt, DFC Anthony Aranda, and DFC Tyler Bowen faced a life-threatening exchange of gunfire with a suspect who had fled from law enforcement on December 17, 2022. The encounter left M/DFC Flynt critically wounded, a moment that profoundly impacted the lives of all three deputies.
The Medal of Valor is the Sheriff’s Office’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who exhibit exceptional courage, quick decision-making, and a disregard for their own safety in the effort to save lives or apprehend dangerous felons.
“This traumatic event will remain with all three deputies for the rest of their lives,” said a statement from the Sheriff’s Office. Despite the challenges they endured, the deputies’ actions exemplified the core values of law enforcement.
During the December 2022 incident, the deputies pursued a suspect who posed an imminent threat to public safety. In the ensuing confrontation, M/DFC Flynt sustained critical injuries but demonstrated remarkable resolve under extreme pressure. His fellow deputies, DFC Aranda and DFC Bowen, acted swiftly to neutralize the threat while ensuring the safety of others at the scene.
The nearly two-year journey to this recognition underscores the lasting impact of that night. At the ceremony, the Board of County Commissioners commended the deputies for their steadfast dedication and bravery, offering a solemn acknowledgment of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in protecting their communities.
The Medal of Valor serves as a testament to the selflessness and heroism exhibited by these deputies. Their actions not only averted further harm but also highlighted the extraordinary sacrifices made by those in uniform.
