Two Hastings officers were honored with Meritorious Service Awards for saving a woman’s life during a violent dog attack last year. Officer Michael Schmitz and Officer Nate Wood were honored at the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Conference.

The two responded when police received a call Aug. 30, 2022 from a hysterical juvenile caller, stating their family dog was attacking her mother.

Officers had to force entry through the front door of the home and had no other choice but to shoot the dog in the entryway of the home, most likely saving the homeowner’s life.

The mother and daughter were transported to Regions Hospital for injuries sustained in the attack.