The outstanding achievements of UCLA Police Department personnel along with the exemplary careers of three officers were recently celebrated at an awards ceremony held on campus.
Detective Joe Lara and Officers Vanessa Alvarado and Kenneth Embry were presented with the Lifesaving Medal for promptly responding to a report of a person experiencing a medical emergency in Parking Structure 7 after a UCLA men’s basketball game at Pauley Pavilion. They performed CPR for approximately four minutes until UCLA Emergency Medical Services arrived and provided support and comfort to the victim’s family by accompanying them to the emergency room.
In addition, Officer Shamir Gonzalez was presented with the Lifesaving Medal for preventing an individual from harming himself. While riding his police motorcycle home, Gonzalez spotted the distressed man and rushed to help. Working with a CHP officer, Gonzalez helped the man to safety, where he received a medical evaluation and proper treatment at a hospital.
Officer Larissa Amezcua was presented with the 10851 Pin for recovering 14 stolen vehicles, including four “rolling” vehicles occupied by a driver. The award is named after California Vehicle Code 10851 and recognizes law enforcement officers who have made significant contributions to the recovery of stolen vehicles and the apprehension of auto theft suspects. She was also honored along with Officer Henry Salazar with the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Award for their efforts in DUI enforcement.
In addition, retiring officers Philippe Briggs, Kevin Dodd, and Paul Kunstmann were celebrated for their dedicated years of service and commitment to keeping the UCLA campus safe. Each officer was presented with a Distinguished Service Commendation signed by all 10 UC police chiefs.
“The commonality of all these individuals was and is their unwavering commitment to serving and ensuring the safety of our great UCLA campus community,” said Interim Police Chief Thomas, who presided over the ceremony. “We not only thank them, but also the families and others that help make their service even possible.”
