On May 10, 2018, the Chula Vista Police Department held a ceremony to honor the officers and members of the community who went that “extra mile”. This ceremony helps tell the story of the daily efforts our officers make to serve others and of the exceptional efforts made by members of the community for the greater good.
Featured story: Officer David Sachs who received the Medal of Valor and Purple Heart
On the evening of September 19, 2017, Officer David Sachs, along with Officer Leo Banales and Chaplain Wes Anderson, responded to a 9-1-1 call of an assault. The victim called to report that his neighbor threw a large piece of concrete over his fence, which struck the victim.
When the officers arrived, the victim pointed out the house of the suspect. The officers approached the house to try to speak to the suspect. The suspect’s mother answered the door, and invited the officers in so they could speak to her son. Although not known to the officers at that time, the suspect had been suffering from emotional or psychological distress.
Officers Sachs stepped into the home, following the woman, and did not see the suspect until he entered the kitchen area. Suddenly, the suspect began attacking Officer Sachs violently with a knife. The suspect stabbed him multiple times in his face, head, and arm. Officer Sachs knocked the suspect to the ground while yelling to his partners, “Knife! Knife! Knife!” Officer Sachs pushed the suspect away, backing up from the suspect, but the suspect lunged at Officer Banales with the knife. Officer Banales and Chaplain Anderson exited the residence, putting distance between them and the violent suspect.
Although stabbed several times, Officer Sachs was able to draw his weapon. He ordered the suspect to drop the knife. Instead, the suspect blocked Officer Sachs’ exit and again attacked him with the knife. Officer Sachs moved the suspect’s mother behind him for her own safety, and then fired his weapon at the suspect. Chaplain Anderson, who was unarmed, heard the gunshots from outside. With no regards for his own safety, Anderson began returning to the front door to help. But the suspect had been struck, and had collapsed inside the dining room.
Although severely injured, Officer Sachs stayed calm and continued providing safety information and directions to other officers as they arrived at the chaotic scene. Once enough officers arrived, they re-entered the home and began providing medical aid to the suspect. The suspect was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his wounds.
Officer Sachs was stabbed six times. His wounds included two 3-inch cuts to the back of his head, three stab wounds on his face, and a stab wound above the right elbow that narrowly missed his brachial artery. He required 30 stitches and a stay in the hospital. But, after 7 months of recovery, Officer Sachs returned to full-duty and continues serving the community today.
For his extraordinary bravery and willingness to protect the lives of others, without regard for his own safety, Officer David Sachs was honored with the Chula Vista Police Department’s Medal of Valor. Additionally, Officer Sachs was presented with the Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in service to his community.
The following is a list of other 2018 award recipients:
MADD DUI Award: Officer Ginger Van Houten and Officer Jonathan Boyce
Auto Theft Advisory Committee Officer of the Year: Officer Johnathan Deering
Rotary Club Above and Beyond Award: Officer Alex Ramirez
San Diego Crime Commission Blue Knight Award: Agent Eric Carter
San Diego Crime Stoppers “Enough is Enough” Award: Agent Roman Ruiz
Proactive Narcotic Enforcement Awards: Officer Alex Bates, Officer Shaun Myers and Officer Nico Valdivia
Senior Volunteers of the Year: Paul and Linda Dingledine
American Legion Above & Beyond Award: Officer Jeff Pace and Officer Hugo Cardenas
Police Service Officer of the Year: PSO Kurt Warnke
Explorer of the Year: Explorer Lieutenant Marisol Mateos
Communication Operator of the Year: Sarah McDonald
Field Training Officer of the Year: Officer Norberto Lopez
Employee of the Year: Parking Enforcement Officer Monica Medina
Burn Institute Spirit of Courage Awards & Lifesaving Medal: Agent Jasen Cunningham and Officer Kevin Schulte
VFW Award: Officer Raul Naranjo (retired)
Lifesaving Medal: Officer Kofi Agyeman, Officer David Arce, Officer Marcela Ruvalcaba, and Officer Isaac Fisher
San Diego Police Officer’s Association Officer of the Year: Agent Norene Andersen
Citizen Exceptional Service Award: Soveida Amelia Rodriguez observed a robbery in our city, called 911, followed and helped officers identify the suspects, and prevent further crimes. Noah Schenk, a San Diego Fire & Rescue recruit currently in fire academy, came to the aid of an officer who was struck by a car while directing traffic at a fire.
Department Exceptional Service Award: Chaplain Wes Anderson, Police Services Sergeant Chaz Siangco, and Dispatch Supervisor David Willson.