Valor Awards Show Reality Of Life In Law Enforcement

At a time when law enforcement is under a lot of public scrutiny the Valor Award recognized deputies who faced life and death situations. The LA County Sheriff's Department honored deputies for their courage, service, and sacrifice.

The Valor Awards paint a graphic picture of what officers can face any day. Deputy Arturo Spencer calls his colleagues heroes.

He had been ambushed and shot while out on a call. His colleagues took down the suspect. Spencer received a Purple Heart Medal. Deputies Scott Giles, Omar Miranda, and Sergeant Vincent Ursini received the Meritorious Conduct Gold Medal.

What so many in attendance share is that call to serve. Deputy Steve Longan and his colleagues were honored for resolving the matter involving a 74-year old woman who opened fire on law enforcement after she called 911.

It was an emotional day for Deputy James S. Moss and Lieutenant Thomas Giandomenico. They recalled the day they served a search warrant on an outlaw motorcycle gang. A suspect opened fire, an officer was hit. In the line of fire, Deputy Moss moved in to rescue the wounded officer. His partner was right behind him.

The Pomona police officer they rescued, Shawn Diamond, died at the hospital.

Moss and Giandomenico are friends from childhood. They credit training and instinct for their actions. They hugged as they received the Medal of Valor. The family of Deputy Moss understands the dangers of this job. His wife, daughter, and mother were on hand to share in his honor.