L.A. Chamber of Commerce Honors 19 LAPD Heroes

September 4, 1998

PRESS RELEASE
Chamber Honors 19 LAPD Heroes
September 9, 1998

Seventeen LAPD officers involved in February 28, 1997 North Hollywood bank shootout, plus two detectives from the Special Investigations Section will be honored by the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, September 9, at its 39th Annual Medal of Valor Awards Luncheon. The event will be held at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 South Figueroa Street, beginning with an 11 a.m. reception.

The 19 Medal of Valor honorees are:

Officer Don Anderson Officer James Zboravan Officer Edward Brentlinger Officer Richard Zielinski Officer Anthony Cabunoc Sgt. Israel Medina Officer John Caprarelli Detective Kevin Harley Officer Edwin Dominguez Detective Phillip Wixon Officer Steven Gomez Detective Vincent Bancroft Officer Richard Massa Detective Tracey Angeles Officer Charles Perriguey Detective Lawrence Winston Officer Todd Schmitz Detective Thomas Culotta Officer Conrado Torrez

Detectives Lawrence Winston and Phillip Wixon are receiving Medals of Valor for a 1995 investigation and stakeout of a bank robbery team, which led to a gunfight in the San Fernando Valley.

"We pay tribute to these police officers for their courage in that instance when the circumstances became dangerous and deadly; where with the next breath their valiant efforts were above and beyond the call of duty," Parks said. "Their actions clearly display the dedication behind our motto ‘to protect and to serve’ and the bravery and valor of our Los Angeles Police Officers."

Local news anchor Jess Marlow (NBC-4) will narrate the afternoon event as medals are presented to all of the 19 LAPD honorees. Medal of Valor Luncheon tickets are $100 each for Chamber of Commerce members or $125 for non-members. For reservations and additional information on purchasing a table for 10, call the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at 213-580-7585.

For Release 1:50 pm PST
September 4, 1998