Retired NYPD officers and brothers, recognized for helping save MLK’s birth home 

Two brothers visiting their father in Atlanta, both retired New York City police officers, took quick action to apprehend a woman attempting to burn down the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home.

Kenny Dodson worked as a housing cop for most of his career. His brother, Axel Dodson, an Iraq War veteran and patrol service officer, last served in Queens. The brothers both received outstanding citizens awards Saturday morning from the NYPD.

Kenny and Axel were on a stroll through the historic preservation district when they saw a woman fleeing after allegedly trying to set fire to the house. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the brothers detained the suspect, U.S. Navy veteran Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, who had doused the front porch with gasoline.

The Dodson brothers, along with another witness, prevented Henderson from igniting the gasoline-soaked porch. Following a brief chase in their car and on foot, they successfully detained Henderson, 26, and waited for the arrival of Atlanta police. Henderson has been charged with second-degree criminal attempt to commit arson and interference with government property.

The recognition of their actions resonated even more as they were honored by both the Atlanta police chief and the first deputy police commissioner in New York. The brothers were presented with the Outstanding Citizens Award during a news conference, praising their quick and courageous intervention. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum commended their actions, noting that their swift response had saved an important landmark in the city.

Reflecting on the incident, the siblings emphasized the significance of working together to protect their city and the joy of doing policing with each other.