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Commentary | March 3, 2025

Coast Guard posthumously promotes Reservist killed in the line of duty

By Zach Shapiro, MyCG Writer

The Coast Guard has honored fallen reservist Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Horan with a posthumous promotion to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Horan, who transitioned from active duty to the Reserve in 2017, was a Greensboro, North Carolina police officer. He was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 23, 2024.  
 
Horan’s funeral was held on Jan. 9, 2025. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve (MCPO-CGR) Will Adams attended the funeral and hand-delivered Horan’s promotion certificate to his family.  
 
Horan joined the Coast Guard in January 2000. He served in various roles, including Law Enforcement Officer, Tactical Fast Boat Instructor, Maritime Safety and Security Team 91101 in Seattle, Wa., and a Search and Rescue (SAR) operator. Following the September 11 terror attacks, Horan supported harbor defense operations in New York City and Washington, D.C. He also supported counter-terror, counter-narcotics, and counter-human trafficking missions in North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New York, and New Jersey. 
 
Chief Warrant Officer-select Horan received numerous awards during his service, including three Coast Guard Achievement Medals, five Commandant Letters of Commendation, six Good Conduct Awards, two Reserve Good Conduct Awards, three Special Operations Awards, a Sea Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Medal, and was Coast Guard Enlisted Person of the Year in 2015 and 2019.  
 
He transitioned to the Coast Guard Reserve in 2017 and joined the Greensboro Police Department. In 2019, he received a Lifesaving Award from the Department for swimming into a rip current and swimming 60 yards offshore to save a father and son from drowning. 
 
Horan’s promotion ceremony will be held on Mar. 8 at Station Fort Macon, North Carolina. 
 
The Greensboro Police Officers Association has started a fundraiser for Horan’s family. To make a donation, please click here
 
You may read Horan’s obituary here

-USCG- 

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