Medals of commendation now belong to eight campus cops who rushed toward the chaos the day a murderer opened fire at New Life Church.

December 9th will be a day remembered for chaos at a church and thousands crying for help.

"I didn't really have time to think about it. I got the call and responded," said Officer Doyle Kilgore.

In ten years with Pikes Peak Community College Police, Kilgore cannot remember a day so intense, or danger so close. It took him a minute to get from the neighboring college campus to the swarming New Life parking lot.

"We had no idea who was in there, how many we had," said Kilgore.

There was one. Shooter Matthew Murray, still firing as Kilgore radioed to help the Works family, bleeding at his feet.

"Protect people on the ground. You're not thinking about protecting yourself," Kilgore said.

"We're campus police, largely community oriented. We're here to watch your children," said Chief Ken Hilte.

Hilte explained campus officers are ready to respond. Eight of his officers did that day, to bring some order to the chaos. Seven received The American Police Hall of Fame Outstanding Commendation Medal on Thursday and officer Kilgore, a Silver Star for Bravery. Above all, they have a community's gratitude.

"They just helped them, opened up their arms and helped them. I just wanted to thank the officers for being there and helping them," said Sylvia Whiteman.

Her thanks extend past the day of the attack to every day she goes back to church at New Life.

"It makes me feel safe and protected that there are people who will put their lives on the line to protect us," she said.

It's Whiteman's definition of bravery, but recognition a Silver Star winner would rather share with the thousands who helped each other that December day.

"They're the ones who should be honored," Kilgore said. "I was just doing my job."

Also honored, Sergeants Ron Miskell and Wes Walter, Corporal John Orndoff and officers Val Maluia, Angela Boehme, Chad Bauer and Rickey Klataska.