Community Corner
Monrovia Officer Given Medal of Valor for Rescuing Family from Burning Home
Officer Jose Pacheco is the latest recipient of the police department's highest honor after leading a woman and her children out of a house fire last year.
Monrovia Police Officer Jose Pacheco received the department's Medal of Valor Thursday for running into a burning building last May and leading a family to safety.
Police Chief Jim Hunt presented the award to Pacheco in a ceremony at City Council chambers Thursday evening and praised the officer for his "bravery and dedication to service."
Pacheco ran into a burning home on Encino Avenue last May and led a mother and her children out of the structure, according to Hunt.
"Had the family not been evacuated so quickly, they most likely would
have sustained serious smoke inhalation or possibly even death," Hunt's award statement reads. "Officer Pacheco took quick and immediate action without regard for his own personal safety in order to rescue this family trapped by smoke and fire."
Pacheco also received the medal last year, becoming one of just a few officers in the department to get the honor twice, according to Hunt.
Sgt. Daniel Verna, Officer John Donchig, and Communications Operator Christal Stubbe were also honored Thursday with the department's Distinguished Service Medal.
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