Junus Perry gets top award from Fresno Police Department.
By Paula Lloyd
The Fresno Bee
FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno police officer Junus Perry received the department’s highest award Thursday during a commendation ceremony at Fresno City Hall that honored 22 officers and one city employee for meritorious service.
Perry received the Van Meter Award, given to officers who suffer serious injuries in the line of duty. The medal is named after Harry Van Meter, the first Fresno police officer killed in the line of duty -- in 1907.
Perry, who was a campus resource officer at Roosevelt High School, was injured April 16 when sophomore Jesus “Jesse” Carrizales, 17, hit Perry on the head with a sawed-off wooden baseball bat, knocking him to the ground. Perry shot and killed Carrizales.
Perry’s neck was injured by the force of the blow, Chief Jerry Dyer said, and due to the severity of his injuries he has not returned to work.
The chief said he hopes Perry will be able to return to the force.
Dyer said it’s important to recognize “the incredible job our officers do, day in and day out.
“They’re expected to know the unknown and see the unseen and make split-second decisions, knowing full well they’ll be second-guessed and often criticized,” Dyer said. “And yet they love their jobs.”
Receiving lifesaving medals were Sgts. Rod Cancio and Michael A. Smith; and officers Jennifer Federico, Shawn Bishop, Michael Hansen, Chad Soares, Jimmy Fowler, John Long, Bernard Finley, Jennifer McLelland and Jeremy Moss.
Receiving outstanding achievement awards were Capt. Mike Reid; Lts. Mike Doyle, Jon Papaleo and Don Gross; Sgts. Brenda Trobaugh and Judy Luna; officers Brad Stevens, Diane Dyer, Josh Alexander and Justin Bell; and management analyst Courtney Espinoza.
Copyright 2008 Fresno Bee