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Miami-Dade Officer To Get Highest Award For Valor

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- President Barack Obama will honor a Miami-Dade Police Officer for his bravery and composure during a violent attack.

On Monday, Officer Mario Gutierrez will be the recipient of the highly esteemed Medal of Valor. He is one of thirteen getting the medal at a ceremony in the White House.

The medal is awarded to public safety officers who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect others from harm. It is the highest national award for valor presented to a public safety officer in an attempt to save or protect human life.

Related: Exclusive: Re-enactment Shows Officer Of The Year's Heroic Efforts

That was the case for Gutierrez back in 2013 when he was nearly stabbed to death by 51-year-old Dominique Jean who had set fire to gasoline station on Le Jeune Road near Miami International Airport.

Gutierrez activated the emergency shutoff valve to the pumps and confronted Jean who stabbed Gutierrez in the arms, hand, chest, stomach, and leg, also bit his right thumb. Despite the injuries, Gutierrez continued to fight and ended up shooting and killing Jean.

Last year, Gutierrez  received the Congressional Badge of Bravery - making him the first Miami-Dade Officer to ever receive the award.  He was also named the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent association Officer of the Year in 2013. He credits his wife Laura with helping nurse him back to health and put him back on the force where he said he belongs.

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