Law enforcement's modern-day heroes

In May, we honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice in ceremonies at the Academy, Sacramento and Washington, D.C., and 25 of LAPD's finest were awarded the Department's highest honor at the 48th Annual Medal of Valor ceremony.

Washington D.C. ceremonies

Activities were held throughout Police Week in the nation's capitol to honor our fallen.

This year, the names of 133 officers, plus 254 others who died in previous years, were dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial monument, including LAPD SWAT Officer Randy Simmons and LAPD Officer Spree DeSha. An estimated 20,000 people attended the annual ceremony.

The Police Unity Tour arrived on May 12. This year's tour had 1,100 riders, including about 45 LAPD riders, and raised $1.3 million for the National Law Enforcement Museum fund.

Fifteen LAPD officers were recognized at the White House by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden after the group was nominated for the NAPO Top Cop award. Officers nominated were: James Veenstra, David Keortge, Floyd Curry, Tom Chinappi, Mike Barker, Mike Odle, Richard Alba, Mark Nee, Daniel Sanchez, Douglas Dingman, Charles Buttitta, German Hurtado, George Ryan, Anthony Samuelson and Steve Scallon.

California Peace Officers' Memorial ceremony

California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremonies have been conducted in the State Capitol since 1977. The ceremony that honors the officers who have fallen in the line of duty the preceding year, recognizing the sacrifice of those loved and left behind.

The names of ten California officers were added to the Peace Officers' Memorial in Sacramento on May 8, including LAPD Officer Randy Simmons.

To learn more about the California Peace Officers' Memorial, visit www.camemorial.org.

Academy Ceremonies

Family, friends, command staff and officers gathered May 4 at the Elysian Park Academy to memorialize LAPD's fallen heroes.
The annual ceremony included the name reading of the more than 200 LAPD officers killed in the line of duty since the Department's founding; laying of roses in the reflection pool; rifle volley and playing of Taps by the Honor Guard; Emerald Society's pipe and drum march; Missing Man formation by Air Support; and End of Watch broadcast.

We will never forget.

31st Memorial Relay Race

The Memorial Relay, run this year in honor of Officer Spree DeSha, took place on May 30th over 15 miles at the Elysian Park Police Academy. Over 800 runners participated, as officers, family members and children took part in a one-mile fun run, 5K-individual run and 25K platoon formation run.

The event was established in 1978 as a way to bring together LAPD employees and families for a physically challenging event while honoring fallen officers who have served the Los Angeles Police Department. All proceeds are donated to the LAPD Family Support Group and the Children’s Support Group.

48th Medal of Valor awards

The Los Angeles Police Foundation hosted the 48th Medal of Valor ceremony and luncheon on May 28. Twenty-five officers were honored, including a record number of five women. Nearly 900 guests attended the event at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland to salute this year’s recipients. Financial support for Medal of Valor comes from board members of the Police Foundation and other corporate sponsors. Click the links below to read about the incidents these officers were awarded for:

Sergeant Christopher Gomez

Officer Jesus Carrillo

Officers Heriberto Salazar, Laura Gonzales, Haley Smith and Vincent Rojas

Officers Gina Holmstrom, Maura Tercero, Jeffrey Ennis, Lyman Doster, Benjamin Santero, Enrique Anzaldo, Daniel Sanchez, Eduardo Perez, Dennis O'Sullivan, Robert Gallegos, David Stambaugh, William Casey, Todd Rheingold and Joseph Rubert; Sergeants Sean Kinchla and Chester McMillion

Officers Peter Vanderburgh and Fernando Avila

Officer Jeanette Flores