Fear & Loading: Missouri CCW Holder Honored by Police Chiefs

by
posted on January 2, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fl_evidence-markers-and-casings.jpg

The Missouri Police Chiefs Association presented Jerry Pendergrass—who has a concealed carry permit—with its coveted President’s Citizen Award last month for his lifesaving action on June 14, 2018, when he came to the aid of a member of the Springfield, Mo., police department who had his gun “jam” during a gunfight with an armed criminal.

The perpetrator had already fired at law enforcement and during the subsequent foot pursuit officer Andy Zinke shot and wounded the criminal. His backup was nowhere nearby, though. “After I shot this guy I went to re-load and my gun jammed, and I looked down at my gun and I turned and there’s Jerry standing there with his gun,” he told KY3, a local TV station. “It bought me that second.”

“There is an ambulance in front of the house that can get you help right now,” Pendergrass told the perpetrator, emphasizing no one needed to die that day. “He looked at me, looked at his gun and I said no don't look at the gun. With me saying that, Zinke was able to stop moving around and bring his attention back and it was at the same time that he brought his attention back that we both ended up— the man reached for the gun and we shot him."

Pendergrass’ niece told reporters she was initially concerned the incident would become controversial because he’s part African American. The award helps alleviate that fear, although he admits the 10-second incident replays in his mind, at least once a day.

Officer Zinke explained the kind of heroics that came to his aid aren’t always encouraged by law enforcement, but, “… it was something pretty remarkable that day and I was blessed to have him over there.”

 

Latest

Gotw Heritage 92 Web
Gotw Heritage 92 Web

Gun Of The Week: Heritage Manufacturing 92

American Rifleman staff are on the range with one of the most iconic lever-actions ever created, except this one has a bit of a plot twist—it is a model made overseas and imported by Heritage Manufacturing.

The Armed Citizen® July 25, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Victory In The Air: One Smith & Wesson Victory Revolver's Story

A primary source investigation into the service history of a Smith & Wesson Victory revolver used by the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

Firearm Industry Responds To Aid Texas Flood Victims

Only a few days after the tragedy struck, two of the firearm industry’s foremost companies were raising funds for the victims and organizations dedicated to providing support through devastating floods in Texas.

I Have This Old Gun: Woodward .500 Express Double Rifle

Produced by J. Woodward & Sons at the end of the 19th century, this double rifle, chambered for the .500 Express cartridge, was tailor-made for dangerous-game hunting.

New For 2025: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Pistols In 5.56 NATO & 9 mm Luger

Springfield Armory added two new pistol variants to its popular Saint AR-15 lineup, and the new models are chambered for 5.56 NATO and 9 mm Luger, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.