The shy 5-foot-6-inch, 140-pound Salt Lake City resident was not hesitant Tuesday when the Salt Lake City Police Department recognized his heroism and awarded him the Public Service Medal of Valor.
Fullerton was one of 20 people and police units honored at the police department's annual awards banquet held at the Sheraton Hotel.
During the 90-minute ceremony, four people received standing ovations for their work and bravery, including Fullerton.
"I felt honored," he said after the ceremony. "I was really overwhelmed. I love this community. There's nothing I wouldn't do for the police officers in this state."
Fullerton has a small scar on his neck below his right ear where Curtis Michael Allgier, an escaped 27-year-old white supremacist from the state prison, cut him with a kitchen knife during a struggle in Arby's.
Minutes earlier, at University of Utah's Orthopedic Center, Allgier allegedly shot and killed Stephen Anderson, a 60-year-old corrections officer during an escape attempt. Police say Allgier stole a car and drove to the Arby's at 17th South and Redwood Road where he threatened patrons, fought with Fullerton, and was eventually arrested.
Senior City Attorney Martha S. Stonebrook and Officer Mike Serio and his K9 JJ, who died earlier this year, received the police chief's civilian employee and officer of the year awards, respectively.
Dozens of law enforcement officials and their guests also stood and clapped as Police Chief Chris Burbank awarded Officer Jennifer Diederich the Police Medal. Diederich shot and killed a man inside Pioneer Park last October, ending his stabbing rampage that left one man dead and another injured.
The applause was overwhelming.
"I actually got tears in my eyes," she said. "Their respect means everything to me."
Diederich, who was given the medal for displaying courage and protecting others while risking her own life, said her reaction during the rampage was natural and necessary to stop 45-year-old Stephen Atiana from hurting anyone else.
"It's the job we do," she said.
jbergreen@sltrib.com
