Chief Bratton to Award 19 Officers the Medal of Valor for Bravery

WHAT:
46th Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony and News Conference

Since 1925, Los Angeles Police Officers have been decorated with the Medal of Valor. It is the highest honor the LAPD, bestows on officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery or heroism above and beyond the normal demands of police service. Recipients must have shown extreme courage while facing imminent peril. It is awarded by the Board of Police Commissioners and is presented by the Chief of Police at the Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 10, 2007
10:45 a.m. Media check-in (Outside of Salon 4 within the Grand Ballroom)
11:00 a.m. News Conference (Salon 4 within the Grand Ballroom)
11:30 a.m. Awards Ceremony

WHERE:
Hollywood & Highland
Grand Ballroom – 5th floor
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028

WHO:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
Members of Los Angeles City Council
Board of Police Commissioners
Chief William J. Bratton
Police Officer Kristina Ripatti

ADDITIONAL:
The Los Angeles Police Foundation will host the 46th Medal of Valor Luncheon and is a major source of private support for the LAPD. The Foundation’s mission is to create partnerships to provide resources and programs that help the police to serve at their highest level and to enhance LAPD-community relations.

2007 Medal of Valor Recipients

Officer Rudy Barragan, Metropolitan Division
Officer Marco Briones, Newton Division
Sergeant Jose Castellanos, Audit Division
Officer Stephen Diaz, Wilshire Division
Officer Guy Dobine, Metropolitan Division
Sergeant Albert Gavin, Training Division
Deputy Gerald Jackson, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Detective Alberto Junco, Operation West Bureau
Kenyard Bilal, Former LAPD Officer
Policeman Walter Kesterson, killed in the line of duty in 1946
Detective Sandy Kim, Santa Ana Police Department
Sergeant Miguel Lopez, Southwest Division
Officer Joseph Meyer, 77th Street Division
Officer Arturo Perez, Burbank Police Department
Officer John Porras, Hollenbeck Division
Detective Mark Pursel, West Los Angeles Division
Officer James Tuck, Hollenbeck Division
Officer Jude Washington, Southwest Division
Sergeant Jeffrey Wenninger, Use of Force Review Division