Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony 2026 NA26056eo 

WHAT:
The 2026 Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony.

During the formal program, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell will present the Department’s highest honors to 16 officers who knowingly and courageously placed themselves in grave danger to protect others. Television news anchor Sandra Endo will serve as emcee, bringing to life the powerful stories of heroism, accompanied by dramatic footage captured on officers’ body-worn and in-car cameras.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 24, 2026
11:15 a.m. Doors Open and Program Begins
11:55 a.m. Luncheon
12:25 p.m. Awards Ceremony

WHERE:
Westin Bonaventure Hotel – California Ballroom
404 S. Figueroa Street Los Angeles, California 90071

WHO:
Los Angeles Police Department Chief of Police Jim McDonnell
Master of Ceremonies Sandra Endo

WHY:
To honor real-life moments of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice. The awards presentation will immerse the audience in powerful stories, featuring video recreations, body-worn and in-car video footage that captures the split-second, life-altering decisions officers make in service to the community. These dramatic videos provide a rare look into extraordinary situations, including:

On November 14, 1975, Police Officer Anthony Malley, a South Traffic Division motor officer, was searching for an armed shooting suspect in the Wilmington Area when the suspect accelerated his vehicle toward him, striking Officer Malley and his motorcycle. Officer Malley’s leg became pinned as he and his motorcycle were dragged approximately 30 feet before the suspect fled. Officer Malley sustained significant injuries to his left knee, was hospitalized for three days, and underwent approximately three months of recovery before returning to duty.

In the early morning hours of October 29, 1983, Officers Arthur Soo Hoo and William Wong were conducting patrol near Broadway and Alpine Street in the heart of Chinatown. While patrolling, their police vehicle was struck by a vehicle traveling at an estimated 85 miles per hour after it ran a red traffic signal. Both officers sustained catastrophic injuries as a result of the collision.

On September 23, 2023, Sergeant Vanessa Prentice was assisting officers with a high-risk traffic stop involving a stolen vehicle near Western Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard when she was struck from behind by an impaired driver traveling the wrong way. The impact threw Sergeant Prentice approximately 40 feet, causing multiple fractures and a traumatic brain injury with intracranial bleeding. She remained hospitalized for one month and, following an extensive recovery, returned to full duty.

On June 23, 2025, Sergeant Shiou Lih Deng stopped on the 405 Freeway to assist a stranded motorist when an oncoming vehicle struck his patrol vehicle and Sergeant Deng, causing fatal injuries.

On February 26, 1969, Policemen Richard Whitaker and Roger Fiderio entered a burning two-story residence near Vermont and Exposition Boulevard to search for trapped occupants. Policeman Fiderio located and escorted a man to safety, while Policeman Whitaker found the man’s two young daughters huddled in a locked bedroom, wrapped them in a wet blanket, and carried them from the burning home. Their courageous actions saved all three occupants and reunited the family outside.

On October 18, 1969, Officers Al Moen Donald Mandella, were conducting plainclothes surveillance when they were ambushed by two armed suspects. During the attack, Officer Moen was struck by shotgun fire in the hand and shoulder. Despite his serious injuries and the continuing gunfire, he returned fire, fatally striking one suspect and protecting his partner.

On August 25, 2011, Police Officer II Sal Obaidee and his partner were investigating suspicious activity near Florence and Western Avenues when they were suddenly ambushed by several armed suspects and trapped
inside their police vehicle under a barrage of gunfire. Officer Obaidee sustained gunshot wounds to his hand, wrist, and chest, along with facial injuries from shattered glass. Despite his serious injuries and the continuing threat to his life, he courageously returned fire, striking one suspect, broadcast a call for assistance, and maneuvered the bullet-riddled vehicle away from immediate danger until responding officers arrived.

On October 6, 2021, Sergeant Jesse Garcia responded to active gunfire at a homeless encampment near 4th Street and Grand Avenue, where an armed suspect was holding a woman by the neck with a handgun pressed against her temple. With the hostage facing imminent death, Sergeant Garcia courageously left the protection of cover and deliberately exposed himself to gunfire to obtain a clear view of the suspect. He fired one round as the suspect simultaneously
discharged her weapon. His actions freed the hostage, allowing her to escape safely, and brought the life-threatening encounter to an end.

On April 18, 2024, Detectives Jose Delgado, Joel Ruiz, and Huy Nguyen, along with Police Officers Derrick Boykins and Francisco Zaragoza, were assigned to Gang and Narcotics Division and working with the United States Marshals Apprehension Task Force when they attempted to apprehend a suspect wanted for the continuous sexual abuse of a child. During the operation, the armed suspect ambushed the team with repeated gunfire. Believing a fellow officer had been struck, the team courageously moved into the line of fire to shield her, return fire, and bring her to safety. Despite additional rounds narrowly missing several officers, they held their position and forced the suspect to retreat. Following an extended standoff, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.

ADDITIONAL:
The Above & Beyond Ceremony is hosted by the Los Angeles Police Foundation (LAPF). This independent, not-for-profit organization provides critical resources and vital support to the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPF provides funding for essential equipment, state-of-the-art technology and upgrades, specialized training, community outreach, and youth programs that would otherwise not be funded. The LAPF directly improves public safety, impacts officer readiness, and enhances quality of life. Since its founding in 1998, the LAPF has awarded more than $58 million in grants to help the LAPD serve at its highest level to keep our communities and families safe. The 2026 Above and Beyond Awards Ceremony is presented by Galls.

INTERVIEWS:
Medal of Valor and Purple Heart, will be available for interviews on Thursday, September 24, 2026. On the day of the event, please meet with LAPD Media Relations Division Public Information Officers at the media riser.

CONTACT:
For more information, please contact Police Officer Nguyet Amancio, Office of the Chief of Staff, at (213) 486-8740. For additional information regarding the Los Angeles Police Foundation, please call Dana Katz, LAPF Executive Director at (310) 422-9259, or visit: www.supportLAPD.org.