Crossville Police Officer Jacob Zimmerman has been awarded the Medal of Valor following an extraordinary display of bravery during the city’s Fourth of July celebrations, Chief of Police Jessie W. Brooks announced Friday.

On July 4, 2026, while the city was packed with pedestrians celebrating America’s semiquincentennial, Officer Zimmerman responded to reports of a suspected impaired driver heading into town on Highway 70 West. Recognizing the severe danger the vehicle posed to crowded sidewalks, Zimmerman made the split-second decision to intentionally position his police vehicle in the suspect’s path, forcing a collision to end the pursuit and shield citizens from harm.

The impact caused Officer Zimmerman to sustain a dislocated shoulder. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, he popped his shoulder back into place at the scene and immediately rushed to inspect the suspect’s vehicle to offer medical aid. Upon reaching the driver, he discovered she was not under the influence, but rather suffering from a severe diabetic emergency.

Chief Brooks praised Zimmerman’s unwavering courage and swift decision-making, noting that his actions went above and beyond the call of duty to keep the community safe.