2008 Medal of Valor Ceremony Honors Exceptional Heroism in Police Service

May 23, 2008

What:
The Los Angeles Police Department Medal of Valor Ceremony, honoring officers who have exceeded the normal demands of police service by displaying exceptional bravery or heroism.

When:
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
12:30 p.m.

Where:
The Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland
6801 Hollywood Blvd., 5th Floor
Los Angeles, Calif. 90028

Who:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City of Los Angeles
Chief William J. Bratton, Los Angeles Police Department
21 Los Angeles Police Department Medal of Valor honorees

Why:
To recognize individuals who have truly gone above and beyond the call of duty in critical incidents, who have preformed an act of bravery displaying extreme courage while consciously facing imminent peril. Acts of such heroism exemplified by this year’s recipients include:

Several officers, engaged in a deadly pursuit, who withstood a barrage of gunfire from suspects using automatic weapons. The officers were successful in stopping the suspects and their vehicle.
An officer who engaged and would not back down from a ruthlless, well-known gang member who was directly threatening him with an AK-47 assault rifle
Two officers who rescued a victim from a burning vehicle just seconds before the victim would have been completely immolated
Two officers who attempted to rescue a victim from a burning motor home under extremely dangerous conditions

Additional:    

The Los Angeles Police Foundation will host the 47th Medal of Valor Luncheon and is a major source of private funding for the LAPD.  The Foundation’s mission is to create partnerships to provide resources and programs that help the police to better our communities.  For more information regarding the Foundation, please visit:
www.lapolicefoundation.org.

Contact: LAPD Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586

Jessica Schmidt, The Rogers Group Public Relations
jschmidt@rogerspr.com, Office: 310-552-4177, Cell: 414-803-3465