'Incredible bravery' | LMPD Officer Nick Wilt honored as a hero at retirement ceremony

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- On Louisville's worst day, Louisville Metro Police Officer Nick Wilt put his life on the line. The rookie officer was shot in the head while responding to the mass shooting at Old National Bank on just his fourth day on the job.

Nearly three years after that tragic day, Wilt is taking medical retirement. A ceremony was held Friday with his family and his fellow officers supporting him.

Although he puts away his badge and his uniform, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey said Wilt is forever a part of the LMPD family.

"Nick, while your career is ending in a way that none of us would ever choose, what does not end today is your place in our family," Humphrey said.

As many in Louisville remember, Wilt's career as an LMPD officer was cut short before it truly started. He and Officers Cory Galloway were the first officers on scene of the Old National Bank in downtown Louisville on April 10, 2023. Footage from Wilt's body-worn camera released the day after the shooting shows him driving, with Galloway in the passenger seat, as they pull up and are fired upon while still in their cruiser.

Wilt, in his fourth day on the job, was shot in the head on his way up the steps of the building. Several minutes later, Galloway shot and killed the gunman.

"When a call like that goes out, it strikes terror and dread even in the most seasoned of officer — to hear that an active mass shooting is going on." Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said Friday. "One of our newest officers answered that call without hesitation and with incredible bravery."

A 25-year-old former employee of Old National Bank was identified as the suspect responsible for the mass shooting. Five employees were gunned down and killed. Eight others, including Wilt and another LMPD officer, were shot and hurt. Wilt was rushed to UofL Hospital for brain surgery, leaving him in critical condition for weeks.

Zack Wilt, Nick's twin brother, was right beside him at the retirement ceremony.

"Knowing that the world can never experience what he was put here to do, that is heartbreaking," he said. "But at the same time, this is God's plan. We're going to keep him here. We're going to keep him getting stronger. And whatever's next, he's going to achieve that as well."

Wilt's family extends far beyond his brother and his mother. He doesn't need his police badge or his uniform. Humphrey said he will always be part of the LMPD family.

"I know what kind of man you are, because on our worst days, we get to show a different side of us," he said.

Those at the retirement ceremony said Wilt is Louisville's hero who was willing to put his life on the line for the sake of duty. Now, everyone gets to go all in for him.

"It is an absolutely incredible honor to walk beside a hero like Nick and his family, to be able to be there for him the way he was there for us," said Rebecca Grignon Reker, executive director of the Louisville Metro Police Foundation.

Wilt received a hero award from the police foundation, his retirement credentials and his badge at the ceremony. His family said they're unsure about what's next, but, whatever it is, he has a lot of support behind him.

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