SIX LOS ANGELES AIRPORT POLICE OFFICERS TO RECEIVE GOVERNOR’S PUBLIC SAFETY MEDALS OF VALOR FOR HEROISM DURING NOVEMBER 1 SHOOTING AT LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
(Los Angeles, California – September 15, 2014) Today, Los Angeles Airport Police Sergeant Steve Zouzounis and Officers David Lalicker, Brian Lopez, Robert Pedregon, Raymond Woods and Daniel Yu will received Public Safety Officer Medals of Valor from Governor Jerry Brown, for their heroic actions during the November 1, 2013, shooting in Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The ceremony began at 11 a.m. in the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.
The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor is California’s highest award bestowed for heroism.
Also attending the ceremony were Los Airport Police Chief Patrick Gannon; Assistant Chief Michael Hyams; Captains Tyrone Stallings and Fernando Castro; Lieutenant Michael Scolaro; Commanding Officer Madeleine Flanagan; and immediate family and friends.
“ I am incredibly proud of each and every one of the recipients of this prestigious award. Their actions on November 1 were above and beyond what they are charged with handling each day. Their bravery in the face of chaos was admirable and I am proud to serve with officers of their caliber,” said Airport Police Chief Gannon. “This award is a tribute to each of these officers, and it’s a tribute to all Airport Police.”
About The Public Safety Medal of Valor Award Recipients
Sgt. Steve Zouzounis is an 11-year veteran of Los Angeles Airport Police, hired in 2003. He was appointed a Field Training Officer before promoting to sergeant in 2005. As sergeant, he served in the Patrol Services Section for six years and as range master for three years. Sgt. Zouzounis is currently assigned as detective supervisor in the LAX Crime Task Force Unit. Sgt. Zouzounis began his career in law enforcement in 1994 with the Long Beach Police Department and also worked for the Cypress and Los Alamitos police departments.
Sgt. Zouzounis said, “I am honored to be selected for this award. I have always been extremely proud to be a police officer and to serve the public. But, I have never been more proud than seeing the bravery and professionalism demonstrated by the officers, co-workers, and civilians on November 1. I am honored to serve with the Los Angeles Airport Police. My deepest sympathy and support go out to the Hernandez family, all the victims, and the Transportation Security Administration.”
Officer David Lalicker is a six-year veteran with Airport Police and is assigned to the Patrol Services Section.
Officer Brian Lopez is a seven-year veteran with Airport Police and recently assigned to the Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis Unit, which handles investigations related to the airfield operations area. He served in the Patrol Services Section for six years. Officer Lopez served in the U.S. Army as a Cavalry Scout for 10 years.
Officer Lopez said, “I’m humbled at such a noble gesture. I feel all my colleagues demonstrated bravery and courage in the face of imminent danger. I appreciate all the support I have received from Airport Police personnel, friends and family. My sincerest condolences go out to Transportation Security Administration Officer Gerardo Hernandez, his family, friends, and everyone affected that day.”
Motor Officer Robert Pedregon is a five-year veteran of Airport Police, recently assigned to the Traffic Services Section as a motor officer. He has collateral duties as a member of the Airport Police Honor Guard Unit and as Assistant Public Information Officer. He previously served in Patrol Services Section and promoted to Senior Lead Officer (P3) and as a Field Training Officer. Before beginning his law-enforcement career with Airport Police, Officer Pedregon worked in the private sector in transportation. He was a franchise business owner prior to joining the California Highway Patrol as a dispatcher.
Officer Pedregon said, “It is a great honor to have been selected to receive this prestigious award, which I humbly accept on behalf of the many officers on duty that day who ran towards the threat without regard for their own safety. I was fortunate enough to have been one of the six officers on scene, who with training and experience, were able to effectively stop the threat. There may be six awardees, but there are many deserving recipients.”
Motor Officer Raymond Woods is a 13-year veteran with Airport Police and is assigned to Traffic Services Section as a motor officer for six years. He has participated in eight Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup relay races held in Baker, California. He is caregiver to his younger brother, Phillip, who has a cognitive disability.
Officer Wood said, “I am honored to receive such a prestigious award. I am earnestly grateful and extremely humbled by the recognition. This award could not have been achieved without the inspiration of my fellow officers.”
Officer Daniel Yu is a 10-year veteran of Airport Police, assigned to the Patrol Services Section. He has served as a Field Training Officer for seven years.
Officer Yu said, “I am very appreciative of the honor and would like to dedicate it to the hard work and dedication of California’s first responders and the important, and often thankless, jobs they perform daily.”
The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with over 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International (LAX), LA/Ontario International (ONT), and Van Nuys (VNY) airports.
