29 Officers to be Presented with the LAPD’s Highest Honors, the Medal of Valor, Purple Heart and Preservation of Life Awards. One Officer to Receive the Purple Heart Award Posthumously NA24138kt

WHAT:
The Above & Beyond Awards Ceremony.
During the formal program, Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic H. Choi will present the Department’s highest honors to 29 officers who knowingly and willingly placed themselves in grave danger. Actor and comedian Howie Mandel will emcee the event and narrate the stories of heroism accompanying the officers’ body-worn, and in-car videos.

WHEN:
Thursday, September 5, 2024
· 11:15 a.m. Program
· 12:00 p.m. Luncheon
· 12:25 p.m. Awards Ceremony

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

WHO:
Chief of Police Dominic H. Choi, Los Angeles Police Department
Actor and Comedian Howie Mandel

WHY:
To honor real-life events that embody acts of bravery, heroism, and sacrifice. During the awards presentation, the audience will witness body-worn and in-car videos that showcase the split-second, life-altering decisions officers must make while serving the community. These videos reveal some of the extraordinary situations they encounter, including:

· On May 13, 2016, while monitoring gang activity Hollenbeck Gang Officers observed a suspect with an outstanding arrest warrant. As officers attempted to stop the suspect to effect an arrest, a foot pursuit ensued. During the foot pursuit, the suspect collided with a light pole, running into a parked car. As one officer attempted to take the suspect into custody, the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband, aiming it at the officer. The suspect fired at the officer, striking him in the arm. Other responding officers arrived and fired at the suspect, stopping the threat.

· On November 29, 2019, officers assigned to the Hollenbeck Gang Enforcement Detail were monitoring an area impacted by gang activity. The officers observed a suspect holding a firearm. As officers attempted to stop the suspect, a foot pursuit ensued. The suspect, holding a handgun, shot at the officer striking him in the left forearm. The suspect attempted to evade and conceal himself behind a parked car. Other responding officers arrived, and the suspect was taken into custody.

· On June 3, 2020, officers assigned to Newton Division were responding to a backup call when a tow truck driver failed to stop for a red light. The officers’ vehicle was struck causing their vehicle to collide with other vehicles. LAFD responded with the jaws of life. One officer suffered a collapsed lung, and multiple fractures to the ribs, left knee, and left cheekbone. A craniectomy was conducted to relieve swelling in the brain. The other officer suffered head contusions, herniations to his back, and a broken foot.

· On February 10, 2014, a West Valley patrol officer responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call. Upon arrival, the officer discovered the suspect had fled the location. The suspect hid behind a retaining wall. The suspect emerged and shot at the officer, striking him in his upper arm. Other responding officers observed the suspect lying in a prone position with his gun in a slide-lock position and immediately took him into custody.

· On June 19, 1997, while working Van Nuys Gangs, an officer was monitoring the radio when he responded to an attempt suicide on top of a 6-story roof. The officer contacted the subject, negotiating with the subject to safety. The subject with both feet dangling over the edge, began to lose her grip. The officer grabbed the subject and was able to pull her back to safety.

· On September 1, 2022, officers from various divisions working at the Metropolitan Transit Authority Blue Line responded to a 415 Man with a Gun call. Officers searched the area and train cars and discovered the suspect. Upon approach, the suspect reached into his front pocket, produced a gun, and put it to his head. Officers deployed around the suspect, and one officer deployed a bean bag striking the suspect. The suspect fell to the ground but was still holding the gun to his head. Officers pursued the suspect for two blocks. Additional officers responded from Southwest Division. Over the PA system, officers attempted verbal de-escalation for more than an hour and a half. The subject was taken into custody without further incident.

· On December 8, 1969, officers assigned to an all-volunteer Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team served a search warrant for a known gathering location for the Black Panther Party. Upon entry, all three were struck with gunfire. Fellow SWAT officers returned fire while moving the three wounded to safety. Numerous occupants were arrested and taken into custody.

· In the late afternoon of October 8, 2021, a violent suspect with a gun entered an apartment and took a hostage. The suspect had previously shot at three different people, striking one of them. He had attempted to carjack one victim, steal another victim’s bike, placed the barrel of his gun on another victim, and pulled the trigger. Fortunately, the gun failed to fire. Officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team responded to the apartment. Officers had observed the suspect holding a gun and using the hostage as a shield. SWAT Officers breached the apartment. The hostage was taken to safety. SWAT officers fired at the suspect and stopped the threat.

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 Foundation 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 Foundation directly improves public safety, impacts officer readiness, and enhances quality of life. Since its founding in 1998, the LAPF has awarded more than $55 million in grants to help the LAPD serve at its highest level to keep our communities and families safe.

The 2024 Above and Beyond Awards Ceremony is presented by Galls.

INTERVIEWS:
Medal of Valor, Purple Heart, and Preservation of Life Award recipients will be available for interviews on Thursday, September 5, 2024. 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 213-489-4636, or visit: www.supportLAPD.org.