The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department awarded the Medal of Valor to Deputy Mike Glinskas, who survived a deadly shootout with an armed man that claimed the life of fellow Deputy Robert “Bob” Paris and locksmith Glendon Engert.

The honor was bestowed upon Glinskas during a ceremony at the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday morning.

Glinskas and Paris were both assigned to the department’s civil division and were serving an eviction notice at a residence in Modesto on the morning of April 12 of this year.

Deputies made the required “knock and notice” announcing their presence and intent, but did not get any response from within the apartment. There was never any indication that resident Jim Ferrario was waiting inside with an arsenal of weaponry.

Suddenly and without warning, Ferrario opened fire with a high power assault rifle from behind a closed security screen door, striking Paris and Engert in an ambush style assault.

Under fire, and having just witnessed his partner and a civilian murdered, Glinskas immediately returned fire, in an effort to stop the threat and protect others, while moving to cover. At the same time, he was able to radio broadcast “11-99, shots fired, officer down.”

“Glinskas, from a position of relative cover, was pinned down and could not safely evacuate,” said Sheriff Adam Christianson in a released statement. “Instead, he courageously and bravely chose to stay and was fully prepared to re-engage the threat.”

Paris and Engert were killed at the scene.

Glinskas continued to radio broadcast information to responding law enforcement personnel about the location of the suspect, the use of a high power weapon, and details of his surroundings.

“Every day, law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect America’s citizens and communities. They courageously stand between good and evil,” Christianson said. “The Medal of Valor is awarded to law enforcement personnel who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. Even though Deputy Glinskas was unable to save his partner and Glendon Engert, his heroic efforts saved others and we honor his courage under fire.”