Los Angeles: On January 30, 2002 Los Angeles Police Officer Ryan White was granted military leave. In February, 2003, he was sent to Iraq as a member of the United States Marine Corp, 2^nd Battalion.

Officer Ryan, a 29 year-old officer with 5 years on the LAPD, is assigned to the USMC 2^nd Battalion 23^rd Marines in Encino. On April 9, 2003 Ryan was one of six Encino based officers wounded during a battle in Baghdad.

Ranked as a Staff Sergeant, Ryan was hit in the foot by gunfire, but his injury is not life threatening. Married and the father of a two-year-old daughter, Officer Ryan’s current LAPD assignment is with Devonshire Area patrol.

Within two weeks, Officer Ryan will be transferred to the United States and is expected to recuperate from his injuries at his family’s residence, which is outside the Los Angeles area.

All media requests are being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.