For Immediate Release

Contact: Eric Rose (805) 624-0572 or
Paul Haney (626) 755-4759

Los Angeles, November 4, 2009 -- Ten Los Angeles police officers will be among dozens of officers statewide who will be honored for acts of bravery and outstanding contributions to their communities at the Golden Badge Foundation Awards ceremony on Friday, November 6, 2009, 6:00 p.m., at the Irvine Marriott Hotel.

Attorney General Jerry Brown and other elected officials are expected at the event, which will recognize and honor California law enforcement officers and civilians who have selflessly performed heroic acts and exhibited bravery above and beyond the call of duty. The organization will also recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the safety and quality of life for Californians.

"The award recipients demonstrate incredible dedication to public service and public safety. We know that heroism is found in a moment, or sometimes in a lifetime of serving something larger than ourselves," said Paul M. Weber, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League.

"This year, the Golden Badge Foundation is honored to salute 31 outstanding California law enforcement personnel and community leaders for their 2008 meritorious service to the citizens of the Golden State," said Wayne Quint, President of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs.

The awards are as follows:

Labor Lifetime Achievement Award:
Retired 39-year Senior Police Officer Gil Coerper of the Huntington Beach Police Department. Gil was the former president of the Huntington Beach Police Officer's Association.

Legislative Leadership Award:
Vice Chair of the California State Board of Equalization, Dr. Judy Chu, 4th District.

Civic Leadership Award:
Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines.

Humanitarian of the Year:
Judy Kloner of Operation School Bell (OSB). This organization provides new clothing, shoes and personal grooming products to children from families with extreme need.

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Retired Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Samuel Dacus for 45 years of selfless service to three public service agencies and their respective communities, and San Francisco Police Department Sergeant Bob Guinan for 32 years of loyal and dedicated service to his department and to numerous San Francisco area charitable organizations.

Top Management Award:
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Chief Roberta Abner and Imperial County Narcotic Task Force Senior Commander Michael Loyd.

Unsung Heroes Award:
Orange County Sheriff's Department Special Officer Bob Kiefer.

Gold Badge of Courage Award:
Riverside County Sheriff's Department Investigator Rick Espinoza and Santa Ana Police Department Corporal Mathew Sorenson

Exemplary Performance Award:
California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement Special Agent Francisco Cortez (Exceptional narcotic enforcement); Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy John Ebert (Actions after Metrolink train crash); Santa Ana Police Department Corporal-Detective John Franks (Exceptional gang narcotic trafficking investigation); LAPD Officer III Samuel Huizar (First of ten officers responsible for evacuating hundreds of citizens during the Sayre Firestorm); LAPD Officer III Philip Ruiz; LAPD Officer II Steven Trevino; LAPD Officer II William Niemeyer; LAPD Officer II Robert Tamate; Police Officer II Nathan Benson; LAPD Officer II Jeffrey Case; LAPD Officer II Ryan Rankin; LAPD Officer II Nicholas Giordano, and LAPD Officer I Sharon Holmes.

Police Heroism Award/Incident One:
Santa Ana Police Officer Oliver Grant for his actions in removing an unconscious trapped motorist from a burning vehicle.

Police Heroism Award/Incident Two:
Orange County Deputy Sheriff II Rick Olszynski and Gary Lewellyn for their actions in confronting an armed robbery suspect.

Police Heroism Award/Incident Three:
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Correctional Officer Debbie Martinez for immediately confronting two armed prison gang members who were stabbing correctional staff.

Police Heroism Award/Incident Four:
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Deputy Michael Winter for saving the lives of two people in treacherous rescue conditions.

Police Heroism Award/Incident Five:
Los Angeles County Probation Department Deputy Probation Officer II Jesse Avila for his response to a 118-person riot fueled by racial and gang tension.

Police Heroism Award/Incident Six:
Los Angeles County Probation Officer II Aldin Tatley for his actions after a foot chase of an armed gang member.

About the LAPPL Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,900 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com