U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry A. Dunn — one of four police officers to testify before Congress investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol — was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
Dunn, who has ties to Halifax County, joined the U.S Capitol Police in 2008 and since 2011 he has served at the officer rank as a private first class.
Since 2009, Dunn has been assigned to a first responder unit responsible for maintaining perimeter security around the exterior of the U.S Capitol, creating a safe environment within the Capitol for members of Congress, congressional staff and employees, and visitors to the Capitol.
Since January, he has appeared on numerous news outlets and was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Joe Biden.
During the course of his tenure with the U.S. Capitol Police, Dunn provided security for scores of major events at the Capitol including presidential inaugurations, joint sessions of Congress and State of the Union addresses. He participated in the response to hundreds of protests and demonstrations where individuals gathered at the Capitol to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights.
He served as an incident commander responsible for responding to emergency situations such as attempted breaches of the Capitol perimeter and the discovery of suspicious packages.
Dunn also served as a crisis intervention officer responsible for assisting individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and as a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Crisis Negotiation Team trained to respond to hostage or barricade situations.
Dunn is the son of Harry Lee and Joyce P. Dunn of Clinton, Maryland. Harry Lee hails from Vernon Hill and is the son of the late deacon Jesse P. and Harriet E.Dunn.
Deacon Jesse P. Dunn served as a deacon at County Line Missionary Baptist Church in Vernon Hill for many years.
Dunn is the grandson of Deacon Jesse P. Dunn. He attended James Madison University and graduated in 2005.
Dunn resides in Silver Springs, Maryland, returning to Vernon Hill each summer for the Dunn’s Family Reunion.
Dunn continues with U.S. Capitol Police programs and activities to promote equity diversity, and inclusion.
