OFFICER WINS MEDAL OF VALOR.Byline: Sharon Cotal Staff Writer VALENCIA - When his partner was shot on a dark summer night in 1996, California Highway Patrol highway patrol n. A state law enforcement organization whose police officers patrol the public highways. Officer James Portilla didn't think twice before jumping out from behind the safety of a nearby tree and pulling Officer Ralph Casillas to safety. It was just instinct, he said Thursday. Portilla's instincts saved his partner's life, and the Newhall CHP CHP Chapter CHP Combined Heat and Power CHP California Highway Patrol CHP Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (Turkish: Republican People's Party) CHP Chemical Hygiene Plan (OSHA) CHP Community Health Plan officer was honored by Gov. Gray Davis on Wednesday with the Medal of Valor For other medals of the same name, see . The Medal of Valor (O't Ha'gvora, Hebrew: עיטור הגבורה) is the highest Israeli Military decoration. , the highest honor given for an act of heroism Heroism See also Bravery. Achilles Greek hero without whom Troy could not have been taken. [Gk. Lit.: Iliad] Aeneas Trojan hero; legendary founder of Roman race. [Rom. Lit. extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service. ``These aren't fables or fictional novels, these are real life feats of bravery Bravery See also Heroism. Achilles foremost Greek hero of Trojan War; brave and formidable warrior. [Gk. Hist.: NCE, 12] Adrastus courageous Indian prince; Rinaldo’s enemy. [Ital. Lit. ,'' Davis said during the ceremony, which took place at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. ``These men and women are an inspiration to every Californian - especially children - who are looking for Looking for In the context of general equities, this describing a buy interest in which a dealer is asked to offer stock, often involving a capital commitment. Antithesis of in touch with. heroes to emulate em·u·late tr.v. em·u·lat·ed, em·u·lat·ing, em·u·lates 1. To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation: an older pupil whose accomplishments and style I emulated. 2. .'' Davis hung the medal around Portilla's neck in front of about 500 spectators, and Portilla's name, along with the names of other officers honored on Wednesday, will be added to a plaque kept on display in the state Capitol. Portilla and Casillas were working together for the first time that night in July 1996 when a man they were pursuing drove to his home and went inside, refusing entry to the two officers. Casillas kicked a hole in the door, but was shot three times when the suspect started firing through the hole. Casillas fell backward and landed on his back in front of the residence. From behind a nearby tree where he took cover, Portilla could hear his partner moaning moan n. 1. a. A low, sustained, mournful cry, usually indicative of sorrow or pain. b. A similar sound: the eerie moan of the night wind. 2. Lamentation. v. in pain. Without hesitating, he ran out and grabbed Casillas, pulling him behind a squad car to paramedics for emergency treatment. ``I grabbed him and dragged him back with my gun aimed at the house, but he was too heavy, so I had to put my gun away to pull him out of there,'' Portilla said. ``At the time, I didn't realize that the suspect was still shooting at us.'' Portilla said everything seemed to move in slow motion during the incident, and his mind blocked out the sound of the shots as they were fired from the suspect's home. ``About 25 rounds were fired during that five to 10 seconds that it took for me to pull him out, but it seemed like forever,'' Portilla said. Officer Casillas was treated at the scene and transported to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center Providence Holy Cross Medical Center is a hospital in Mission Hills, California, USA. The hospital has 254 beds, and is part of Providence Health & Services. History , where he was treated for his wounds. Although he recovered, doctors later said that if he had arrived at the hospital five minutes later, he would have died. Capt. Brian Kilmer of the Newhall CHP office called Portilla ``a true hero'' for his actions in 1996, and said he is very deserving de·serv·ing adj. Worthy, as of reward, praise, or aid. n. Merit; worthiness. de·serv  ing·ly adv. of this honor, which is long overdue.
``Every officer who puts a badge on every morning serves the public, but James' action in this situation was a step above. He certainly distinguished himself,'' Kilmer said. While it was nice to meet the governor and receive a Medal of Valor, Portilla said he didn't want to make a big deal out of what happened. ``You know, you put your life on the line every single day in this job. I would like to think that I did what anybody else in this office would have done,'' he said. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: (color) California Highway Patrol Officer James Portilla holds the Medal of Valor he received for savings his partner's life after a 1996 shooting. Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion