The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Star Post 309 is proud to have nominated an honoree for the American Legion Department of California Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Valor. The recipient of this year’s award is a Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The criteria for the valor award includes acts of heroism and courage which go above and beyond the expectations of a law enforcement officer.
Many life-changing events occur in the blink of an eye. Many deputies may never experience a situation where their courage and strength are tested. On Saturday, September 12, 2020 Deputy Claudia Apolinar was put to the test. She was able to fight for her life and lived to share her story of survival. She is the epitome of a true hero. Deputy Apolinar was awarded the 2021 American Legion, Department of California’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Valor award. This award is given to a First Responder who has demonstrated heroism and courage and exceeded every expectation.
Here is her story of courage and bravery:
On July 12, 2019, Deputy Apolinar graduated from Academy Class 437 and was sworn in as a deputy sheriff. Her initial assignment was in custody at the women’s jail, Century Regional Detention Facility. Deputy Apolinar had aspirations of becoming a patrol deputy. After spending only six months in a custody assignment, Deputy Apolinar transferred to patrol and was assigned to Transit Services Bureau. The bureau is responsible for patrolling Metro bus ways, railways, and stations and spans throughout most of Los Angeles County.
Deputy Apolinar completed the arduous patrol training program to become a full-fledged patrol deputy. On September 12, 2020, Deputy Apolinar was with her partner seated in a patrol vehicle at the Martin Luther King Transit Center in Compton. They had just completed their routine patrol of the area. Without provocation, a lone gunman fired several rounds from a handgun into the vehicle. The rounds struck both deputies in the head, torso, and arms. Deputy Apolinar was severely wounded in the face.
The events played out over national media as the cowardly attack on the deputies was captured on surveillance video. Despite severe injuries to her face and arm, Deputy Apolinar was able to broadcast emergency radio traffic. She directed responding personnel to their location and indicated the suspect had fled on foot. Deputy Apolinar moved away from her vehicle and took cover. Her partner had been struck in the head, but fortunately, the round did not penetrate his skull. It did, however, leave him stunned. Deputy Apolinar saw he was bleeding profusely from his arm. Despite her injuries, she knew she had to render immediate medical care to her partner. Deputy Apolinar applied a tourniquet to her partner’s arm and moved him to a position behind cover. All the while, Deputy Apolinar scanned her surroundings for any additional threats.
She displayed a courage that cannot be overstated. The events, having occurred when police officers nationwide were facing increased scrutiny and dislike, brought to light that despite hatred against the law enforcement profession, police officers and deputy sheriffs will rise to the occasion and serve and protect others, even at their own uncertainty. Although Deputy Apolinar displayed relentless bravery during every negative word uttered by the pundits, anarchists, and others who deplore law and order, she is the true representation of the brave men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Congratulations, Deputy Claudia Apolinar!
Law Enforcement of the Year Award for Valor
The mission of The American Legion Department of California Law and Order Commission is to foster, within the scope of American Legion principles and policies, an affirmation program of respect for and support of law and order in general, and law enforcement agencies in the legitimate function and performance of their offices and duties.
The true intent of the Law and Order program is to demonstrate appreciation to those men and women who swore an oath to protect our communities. These first responders, whether they be police officers, deputy sheriffs, federal and state officers and agents, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and others, put their lives on the line on a daily basis. As an American Legion members, it is incumbent on us that we show our appreciation and gratitude to our first responders. This practice is in keeping with our principles of the American Legion, and is in keeping within the pillar of Americanism.
Submitted by Ernie Bille, chair of the Law and Order Commission for the American Legion Department of California and post commander for Los Angeles Sheriff’s Star Post 309.
Author: caLegion Contributor
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