Armed school resource officer honored for bravery after he stopped a school shooting

An Illinois school resource officer who prevented a school shooting in Dixon was honored Wednesday for his heroic actions.

Governor Bruce Rauner, R, declared Wednesday May 30 "Officer Mark Dallas Day" in honor of Dallas, who confronted a gunman in the Dixon High School gym two weeks ago, WLS reported. "Officer Dallas' bravery and quick action prevented what could have been an unimaginable tragedy," the governor said.

On May 16, Officer Dallas confronted a shooter, a former student, who attempted to attack the school gymnasium during a practice graduation ceremony. Dallas' son Joshua was one of the students in attendance.

"I heard several shots ring out, in my heart I knew exactly what it was," Officer Mark Dallas said. "I saw the shooter heading toward the doors of the gymnasium, it appeared he was attempting to go in, I let out some type of yell, I don't know what I said, but I yelled at the top of my lungs."

Dallas chased the suspect outside.

"I seen a long gun that I was familiar with and him running and then turning and shooting several rounds at me," he said.

Dallas returned fire, wounding the shooter, who then surrendered before anyone else was injured.

"I knew my dad would protect us all, he did what he always told us he would do, and that was protect us. And I never once feared for my life. But it did scare me that he was the one going after the shooter," Joshua Dallas said.

Illinois lawmakers passed a resolution recognizing Dallas for his "bravery."

"We've done all this in an effort to create a day that you won't forget, because on May 16th, you gave us a day we will never forget," said Senator Tim Bivins, R-Dixon.

Thanks to this armed hero, many lives may have been saved.

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