MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS News) - Murfreesboro Police Officer Dustin Nicholson received one of the city’s highest employee honors Thursday night (1/22/2026) as Mayor Shane McFarland presented him with a STARS award for his decisive actions during a life‑threatening incident on the I‑24 bridge at Medical Center Parkway.

The recognition stems from a December 23, 2025 call that could have ended in tragedy. Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Captain Tim Lampitt, who submitted the nomination, put it plainly: “The morning of December 23, 2025, Officer Nicholson talked a woman off the bridge, saving her life at Medical Center and I‑24.” His words captured the heart of the moment—quiet courage, steady presence, and a willingness to step toward danger when someone else could not step back.

Nicholson, hired by MPD in May 2019, now serves in the School Safety Division as a School Resource Officer. But on that December morning, his role expanded far beyond routine duty. Responding to the I‑24 overpass at Old Fort Parkway, he found a woman who had climbed over the guardrail and was moments from falling. He spoke to her calmly, trying to ease her panic. When words were no longer enough, he acted—moving quickly to secure her and pull her back to safety. The nomination described his response as “extraordinary presence of mind under extreme pressure,” a phrase that resonated again just days ago.

That’s because Nicholson had already been honored once this week. On Saturday, the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch presented him with the Jerry Anderson Hero Award, recognizing his “courage and compassion” during the same rescue. The award, named for a local hero who gave his life saving others, is reserved for those who demonstrate true bravery in service to the community.

The city’s STARS program—short for Succeeding Through Attitudes Reflecting Service Excellence—celebrates employees who go above and beyond their normal duties. A committee of city employees reviews nominations each month and selects recipients who embody service, integrity, and a commitment to improving quality of life in Murfreesboro.