Kimberly Munley: A hero at Ft. Hood

Officer Munley saved countless lives by shooting down Nidal Hasan as he fired at her. What can we learn from her courage?

Sgt Kimberly Munley, a civilian police officer and firearms expert, is being credited for her aggressive efforts to stop Major Nidal Hasan’s shooting rampage at Fort Hood. Munley and her partner responded within three minutes of reported gunfire, wounding Hasan four times and bringing his alleged murderous spree to an end despite being shot herself. In her day-to-day life, neighbors say Munley keeps a watchful eye for suspicious activity or reports of break-ins on their block. Her Twitter biography says “I live a good life” and she tries to make “a difference in someone's life.” What can we learn from Munley’s heroism? (Watch a report about Kimberly Munley's heroism at Fort Hood)

The word "Hero" should be used sparingly--but Munley qualifies: Society uses the term "hero" too loosely for those "just doing the decent, ethical thing in a moment of crisis," says Hillary Fields at Beliefnet. Munley, however, deserves the honor. Her courage was "extraordinary" even if "technically, it's all part of the job." Not many officers would have acted so quickly. "She, in my opinion, is the real deal."

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