SACRAMENTO,
Calif. – Six California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers were presented
with a prestigious Gold Medal of Valor during a ceremony today at the CHP
Academy in West Sacramento. The Special Act Award, given on behalf of
Governor Gavin Newsom, is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its
employees who have risked their lives to save others or protect state
property. WHAT CHP
COMMISSIONER SEAN DURYEE SAID: “I am incredibly proud of these
courageous officers who, even in the face of great danger, honored their
sworn oath by putting their own lives at risk to protect others. Their
unwavering commitment and courageous actions exemplify the true spirit of law
enforcement.” For their noble actions, each of the following CHP
officers received a Governor’s State Employee Medal of Valor Award: - On May 2, 2023, Officer Jose
Benitez rescued an unconscious, pregnant woman from her submerged vehicle
in a canal outside of Corcoran (Kings County). Recognizing the life-threatening
situation, Officer Benitez used a crowbar to smash a window, entered the
water, and pulled the woman to safety despite the imminent danger of the
vehicle sinking further.
- On Nov. 30, 2022, Officer
Christian Lara rescued a driver trapped in a burning vehicle that had
crashed on Interstate 8 in San Diego County. With the vehicle partially
hanging over an overpass and engulfed in flames, Officer Lara broke a window
and pulled the injured driver to safety, risking his own life in the process.
- On Aug. 27, 2020, Officers Chad
Smith and Jonathan Wion responded to a private airplane crash near Benton
Airpark in Redding. They navigated a steep, brush-filled ravine to reach the
burning wreckage, rescuing two victims from the flames. Despite a secondary
explosion, they managed to move the victims to safety and provided crucial
first aid until medical teams arrived.
- On June 6, 2020, Officers
Michael Estey and Luis Rodriguez responded to an ambush in Santa Cruz
County where deputies were under fire from a domestic terrorist. Despite
their patrol vehicle being hit by gunfire, they engaged the shooter, wounding
him and preventing further casualties. Their quick actions and bravery saved
lives that day.
The State of California takes great pride in presenting
the Gold Medal of Valor to these brave CHP officers for their extraordinary
acts of heroism, which extend far above and beyond the normal call of duty. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of
Safety, Service, and Security. |
