Eleven Modesto Police officers will be receiving the Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor awards for their efforts in the shooting and standoff that claimed the life of Deputy Robert Paris and locksmith Glendon Engert in April 2012.

On April 12, 2012 Officers responded to an “Officer Needs Assistance” radio call in the 2100 block of Chrysler Drive in Modesto.  Those first to respond to the location were met with the tragic scene of Paris and Engert shot in front of a residence.  

When the initial officers arrived at the scene, the status of both men shot was unknown, and the location of the gunman was also unknown. These initial responding officers quickly formulated a rescue plan to retrieve Paris and Engert, risking their safety to move them out of harm’s way and to provide them with medical aid.

Due to their courageous actions, the 11 officers will be awarded the 2012 Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor at a ceremony on Sept. 26, at the state capitol in Sacramento. Those officers receiving this prestigious award are Sgt. Rick Applegate, Det. Eric Beffa, Officer Joseph Bottoms, Officer Jonathan Griffith, Officer Gary Guffey, Officer Frank Inacio, Sgt. Patrick Kimes, Sgt. Scott Meyers, Officer Robert Reyna, Officer Richard Rodarte and Sgt. Ivan Valencia.

The Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor Act of 2003 gives the governor the authority to award a Medal of Valor to public safety officers who are cited by the Attorney General for extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty.  The Attorney General’s Office receives nominations from public safety agencies.  These nominations are reviewed by the Medal of Valor Review Board, which makes a recommendation to the Attorney General.