BOONE, N.C. — Four App State Police officers — Lt. Kevin Wilson, Sgt. Petey Hausley, Officer Tylor Greene and Officer Cameron Masin — received awards of distinction for outstanding service, valor and lifesaving efforts from the Appalachian State University Police Department (APD) in 2024.

“Police officers throughout our community do selfless work every day, but when they go above and beyond the call of duty and put their lives on the line or save a life, it truly inspires everyone,” said App State Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Johnny Brown. “Outstanding work like this not only impacts individuals who are in distress, but it also touches local families, friends and our partner organizations in the community.”

Hausley received an Award for Valor from the University of North Carolina System for his exemplary actions during a critical incident in 2023. Every year, the UNC System Board of Governors recognizes police officers who demonstrate valor and exceptional service to the constituents of UNC System campuses through acts of bravery, heroism and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty, as well as for their work to improve community relationships and engage in proactive crime prevention.

The UNC System Board of Governors recognized Hausley during its Nov. 14, 2024, meeting in Raleigh, and this marked the second year in a row that an APD officer has received the honor.

Previously, Hausley was recognized for his actions by receiving the App State Police Medal of Valor — only the second time the award has been given in the department's history. A Medal of Valor is given only in truly extraordinary circumstances, Brown said. It recognizes exceptional action taken by a police officer achieved through their outstanding bravery, decisiveness and swift action to protect others, irrespective of their own safety.

Wilson, Greene and Masin were each recognized by APD with Lifesaving Awards for 2024, with Greene receiving this award for the second time.

Greene performed basic life support, including CPR care, for a cardiac arrest victim in 2024, which helped save the person's life. After the incident, Greene was invited to meet the individual.

“What a blessing it was to meet such a good person and see them interact with family. Thankfully they are doing well,” said Greene. “I’m proud to be a part of a community that jumps into action when someone is in trouble.”

Wilson and Masin also saved a life in 2024, responding to a citizen who was experiencing a mental health crisis. Both officers placed themselves directly in harm's way during the incident to protect the individual and ensure their immediate safety. They also provided continued safety and wellness support to the individual post-incident.

“Being able to save someone’s life is the reason I got into law enforcement,” Masin said. “I’ve stayed in touch with the person who was in crisis, and it’s been incredible to see their healing since that day. I’ve also been able to help them get connected with volunteer opportunities in the community, and now they are committed to helping others in crisis too.”

“We thank the Board of Governors, UNC System and Chancellor Heather Norris for recognizing the exceptional actions of our police officers,” Brown said. “It means a lot to our officers and their families when we celebrate their service to others.”

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About the App State Police Department

Appalachian State University’s official policing agency — the App State Police Department — supports the university’s academic mission by working in partnership with the campus community to prevent crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life on campus. The department’s philosophy is one of proactive community engagement, collaboration and customer service, holding the safety and health of App State’s community members as its top priorities. State-certified police officers, security officers and civilian employees compose the department, and this team of professionals helps to create and maintain an inclusive sense of belonging for all members of the App State Community — students, faculty, staff and visitors. Additionally, through its efforts, the department aims to be a leader in innovative public safety ideas and strategies. Learn more at https://police.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.