ATF seal
ATF text
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

News Release

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Contact: FY-15-02

President Awards Medal of Valor to ATF Special Agent John Capano

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama awarded today, posthumously, the Medal of Valor to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) Special Agent John Capano. The Medal of Valor is awarded annually by the President to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life.

Special Agent Capano died heroically in the line of duty on Dec. 31, 2011, during an attempted armed robbery at a pharmacy in Seaford, NY. During 24 years of distinguished service to the ATF, Agent Capano served as a Certified Explosives Specialist, often sharing his explosives expertise by training state and local law enforcement officers, as well as international partners. In 2008 and 2010, SA Capano served in the war on terrorism in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned the ATF Foreign Service Medal for his exceptional work in these two countries.

“The ATF family is grateful and honored the President has awarded Special Agent John Capano the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, the highest national award for valor by a public safety officer,” said B. Todd Jones, ATF Director. “Throughout an extraordinary career in public safety, Special Agent Capano exemplified courage, honor and selflessness. This is a fitting honor for a brave man.”

Special Agent Capano is the first ATF agent to receive the Medal of Valor.

Headquarters