Gregory B. Stevens
Greg is a retired and highly decorated law enforcement officer, public safety advocate, and nationally recognized hero best known for his role in stopping the first ISIS-inspired terrorist attack on American soil. A career police officer with the Garland Police Department, he spent 40 years in uniform before retiring with distinction. His deep commitment to community service, tactical excellence, and quiet professionalism has made him a respected figure in law enforcement circles across the country.
On May 3, 2015, Greg confronted two heavily armed ISIS-affiliated terrorists outside the Curtis Culwell Event Center in Garland, Texas. He acted with calm precision and selfless bravery. His actions that day saved countless lives and changed the national conversation around law enforcement preparedness and response to terrorism. For his valor, Officer Stevens was awarded numerous honors, including the Medal of Valor from the President of the United States, the highest national recognition for public safety officers. His story has been featured in law enforcement training courses, counterterrorism briefings, and academic studies on domestic threat response. Beyond his actions on that fateful day, Greg’s law enforcement career reflects a broader commitment to duty, training, and leadership. He served in various specialized units and was known among peers for his mentorship, professionalism, and dedication to ethical policing. Since retiring, he has spoken publicly about officer wellness, decision-making under extreme pressure, and the role of local law enforcement in counterterrorism prevention. He currently lectures across the country about his experience stopping the ISIS attack in Garland, sharing critical lessons on preparedness, courage, and the value of calm leadership under fire.
As co-author of When the Moment Chose Me: The Day ISIS Came to Garland, Texas Greg offers an insider’s perspective on the attack and its aftermath. His contributions are not only tactical but deeply human sharing how faith, experience, and service prepared him for the unthinkable, and how the aftermath shaped his life. Today, Greg continues to advocate for the law enforcement profession and enjoys spending time with his family, reflecting on a career defined by courage, humility, and a lasting impact on public safety.
