Who:
Los Angeles Police Chief Martin H. Pomeroy, Officer Bruce Hunt, USC University Hospital President and CEO Paul Viviano, University Hospital Medical Staff, and Members of the LAPD SWAT Team.

What:
Press Conference to Honor Medical Team That Helped Save the Life of Officer Bruce Hunt.

When:
Thursday, October 17, 2002 at 3:00 p.m.

Where:
USC University Hospital, 1500 San Pablo Avenue, Los Angeles

Los Angeles: On behalf of the entire Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Police Chief Martin H. Pomeroy will present certificates of appreciation to the multi-disciplinary medical team at USC University Hospital, to include Dr. Bradley Roth, Dr. Randy Sherman, Dr. John Itamura, Dr. Jackson Lee, Dr. Glenn Ehresmann, and Therapist Paul Penoliar. This medical team is credited with saving the life of Metropolitan Division Officer Bruce Hunt. Officer Hunt was released from USC University Hospital on Sept 28, 2002, after a three–month stay.

Officer Hunt, a 14-year veteran and member of the LAPD SWAT team, nearly lost his life on June 30^th of this year. Officer Hunt, who was awarded a Medal of Valor in 1997, was off-duty and driving home when he saw a driver lose control of his vehicle and crash into a concrete center divider. Officer Hunt, who is known throughout the Department as an extraordinary officer who routinely supports charity efforts, immediately pulled over to offer the driver and passenger first aid. A passing motorist failed to notice the slowing traffic and caused a chain-reaction accident that left Officer Hunt pinned between two cars.

Officer Hunt, who has a wife and 10-month-old son, was rushed to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills. Due to the severity and extent of Officer Hunt’s injuries, he was stabilized at Holy Cross then transferred to the Specialized Trauma Unit at USC University Hospital. A battle to save Officer Hunt’s life ensued as physicians completed a series of complex surgical and other procedures to stop internal bleeding, and repair severe trauma to his chest, pelvis, and legs. The medical team’s diligent efforts were successful, and doctors are now optimistic about Officer Hunt’s continued recovery and long-term prognosis.

Anyone with questions regarding this event can contact Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section.