Police officers receive award for life-saving efforts after November shooting in downtown Myrtle Beach

Two Myrtle Beach police officers credited with saving the life of a shooting victim in November and a young officer recognized for outstanding police work received awards Tuesday night from the Coastal Carolina Shields, a group of more than 800 retired law enforcement officers.

Pfc Rhett Ammons and Pfc K.J. Mann received “Grand Strand Law Enforcement Officer of the Year” awards for demonstrating “acts of exceptional bravery and intelligence in the line of duty.”

The pair responded to the Nov. 17 shooting involving two businessmen in downtown Myrtle Beach. The officers found one of the business owners bleeding and quickly provided life-saving measures and first aid until emergency responders arrived.

“While other officers subdued the shooter, officers Mann and Ammons shielded the victim until the scene was cleared for EMS,” Joe Luzzi, CCS committee chairman said during the presentation. “The officers displayed courage for protecting the victim while their own lives were in danger and for taking intelligent action during a dangerous situation.”

Luzzi said EMS credited the quick action of the officers to saving the victim’s life.

Shai David, who owns property in downtown Myrtle Beach, has been charged with attempted murder and possession of a weapon in connection to the Nov. 17 shooting of Jack Isaiah Rabon, who was charged with assault after police say Rabon approached and “punched the victim with his fists” before shots were fired, according to a police report.

The Shields group also recognized Pfc Christopher Tyndall with its first “Exceptional Police Duty” award. A fourth generation law officer, Tyndall joined the Myrtle Beach department in August 2011. A New York native, he moved to the area with his family after his father, Detective George Tyndall, retired from the New York Police Department.

Christopher Tyndall, who has already received two lifesaver awards from the S.C. Police Chief’s Association during his short time with the Myrtle Beach department, was touted for his efforts in weapons and drug enforcement and credited with outstanding work as a law enforcement officer.

“Private first class Tyndall has taken 15 guns off the street, seized large amounts of drugs and made many arrests,” Luzzi said.

Myrtle Beach Police Chief Warren Gall thanked the organization that consists of more than 240 local, state and federal agencies from the U.S. and Canada, for saluting the officers.

“You have been there, done that. You know the challenges we face today,” Gall said. “We appreciate you taking time to recognize these officers for putting their lives in jeopardy and living to serve another day.”

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Police officers receive award for life-saving efforts after November shooting in downtown Myrtle Beach."