The Coast Guard reveals Officer Horan’s awards and accomplishments before he joined the Greensboro Police Department

Updated: December 24, 2024, 5:14 p.m. EST

The Greensboro police officer killed in a fatal shooting at a Greensboro Food Lion was also a maritime enforcement specialist and decorated member of the Coast Guard Reserve. Officer Michael Horan joined the Coast Guard in January 2000 and graduated from Training Center Cape May in March of that year. The Coast Guard told WXII he was most recently assigned to Station Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Top StoriesGreensboro police officer killed after shooting at Food Lion store; Suspect identified: Toddler suffers life-threatening injuries after shooting on I-40 in Winston-Salem, police say. 4 suspects arrested for vehicle breaking and entering at Randolph-Asheboro YMCA, police say. Click here to get the latest news of interest. WXII was communicated to the other units served at, among others: Cutter Point WardeCutter BelugaA Maritime Safety and Security Team in SeattleSpecial Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune, North CarolinaCoast Guard Boat Forces Unit St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands Sector New YorkCoast Guard Police Department at TRACEN Cape MayStation Oak Island in Oak Island, North CarolinaHoran also received several awards and medals during his service in the Coast Guard, including the following:DOT 9-11 Medal for direct response to the September 11, 2001, attacks while serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Beluga. Officials said Horan stated in his application for chief warrant officer that his decision to work in law enforcement and counterterrorism was solidified after responding to the Sept. 11 attacks and working aboard in the months that followed. Three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, five Commander’s Letters of Commendation, six Good Conduct Awards, two Reserve Good Conduct Awards, three Special Operations Commendations, Naval Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Medal Greensboro Police Department and U.S. Coast Guard Officer Michael Horan’s dependents , who was killed in the line of duty on Monday. In addition to his civilian law enforcement career, Petty Officer 1st Class Horan was a maritime enforcement specialist and distinguished member of the Coast Guard Reserve assigned to Coast Guard Station Fort Macon. He was an active member on the Coast for several years before transferring to the Reserves and preparing to be appointed Chief Warrant Officer in early 2025. He served as a watchman. He will be sorely missed by all who served with him.” Greensboro police said Horan was hired by the department in September 2017 and sworn in as an officer in early 2018. Horan received the Greensboro Police Department’s Medical Life Saving Award in 2018 after he swam to save two people, a man and his 12-year-old son, who were trapped in a rip current on Emerald Isle. Police said Horan was shot after responding to a call about a man with a gun in the store. Officials said the circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation. However, Greensboro police said the suspect in the shooting has been identified as Tarell Isaac McMillian, 34. Police said McMillian has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Horan’s killing. The Greensboro Police Officers Association has established a memorial fund to honor Horan and help his family. Tens of thousands of dollars have now been raised. You can support the Horan family by donating to the Help A Hero fund. Related Coverage: Stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts and news by downloading the WXII app here. Watch: NOWCAST streaming newscastsNAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Watch NOWCAST TV | Local News | National | News We Love | Stay up to date with the latest news and weather by downloading the WXII app here.