Inspector Jose Gomez, who has roots in Nebraska, was honored for helping treat victims after the Annunciation Church shooting in Minneapolis.
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By Hola Nebraska
Inspector Jose Gomez, of the Minneapolis Police Department, received the Lifesaving Award for his actions during the response to the Aug. 27, 2025, shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis.
Gomez, who has roots in Nebraska, was recognized alongside Officer Andria Mays, also of the Minneapolis Police Department, and Trooper Eric Ouellette, of the Minnesota State Patrol.
The award was presented for the actions the three took while treating victims, coordinating medical aid and supporting the emergency response during the attack.
Gomez, Mays and Ouellette treated victims at the scene
The Lifesaving Award recognizes employees whose actions directly help preserve lives through courage, skill and commitment to others.
During the response at Annunciation Church, Gomez, Mays and Ouellette moved from securing the scene to providing medical aid under dangerous and uncertain conditions.
The three assessed the situation, treated victims and helped move injured people to areas where they could receive care.
Their actions included applying tourniquets and chest seals to control severe bleeding, while continuing medical care as other emergency teams coordinated the transport of the injured.
The recognition also noted that the three provided emotional support to victims while maintaining scene safety.
The attack happened during a school Mass
The attack at Annunciation Church happened the morning of Aug. 27, 2025, during a school Mass with students from Annunciation Catholic School.
National reports said two children were killed and 17 people were injured.
The shooting happened during the first week of classes and brought a major response from local authorities, medical personnel and emergency teams in Minneapolis.
Jose Gomez had worked with Minneapolis communities
Before receiving the Lifesaving Award, Gomez had been profiled in Minneapolis for his work as inspector of the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct.
In 2022, CBS Minnesota reported that Gomez was working to rebuild trust between police and residents in the Third Precinct area, a part of the city marked by the impact of protests and damage after the murder of George Floyd.
As inspector, Gomez spoke at the time about the importance of listening to residents, maintaining a presence in the area and building partnerships with community groups.
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