Theodore Roosevelt Police Award Presented In Dallas
On November 19th, Theodore Roosevelt Association presented its 2025 Theodore Roosevelt Police Award to Senior Corporal Karissa David. A six-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department, David was selected for her response to a brutal attack that occurred a little more than a year earlier.
On August 29, 2024, Officer Darron Burks was tragically ambushed while sitting in his patrol car. Senior Corporals Jamie Farmer and Karissa David were the first to arrive on the scene. As Senior Corporal Farmer exited his vehicle to assist Officer Burks, he was immediately confronted by the armed suspect, who wielded both a handgun and a semi-automatic shotgun. Farmer was shot in the leg almost immediately and a gunfight ensued.
Senior Corporal David approached the scene despite the imminent danger. She was met with multiple rounds of shotgun fire from the suspect. Displaying immense bravery, Senior Corporal David attempted to engage the suspect but was hit numerous times in the abdomen and in the face, causing her to fall. She was swiftly transported to Baylor Hospital for emergency treatment and endured several surgeries to repair the extensive physical damage. Her recovery required additional post-incident surgeries as well.
Though blinded by the shooting, she returned to active duty. Senior Corporal David’s fellow officers describe her as strong, vocal, and very direct. She is well respected, admired, and appreciated by her colleagues.
During the ceremony, TRA Trustee Dr. Michael Harris gave a history of the Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards. On behalf of the TRA and the Dallas Blue Foundation, Daniel C. Comeaux, the Chief of Police for Dallas, along with David Roosevelt, Stuart Bumpas, and Toby Roosevelt, presented the award to Senior Corporal David to honor her courageous actions in the line of duty, reflecting the ideals of Theodore Roosevelt.
Beginning in 1996, the TRA's Texas affiliate has presented the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award 23 times. The award recognizes officers who have returned to duty after overcoming a major physical injury or serious illness, and have an outstanding record of service.
Learn More About the Theodore Roosevelt Police Award