The Brentwood Police Department announced two officers were awarded the Medal of Valor for their acts during a March 12, 2023 incident.
Officers Jordan Sares and Nicholas Bugnatto responded to a call where a female was being held against her will by a male armed with a firearm in the 160 block of Sycamore Avenue in the City of Brentwood. The two officers went towards the gunfire and upon locating the suspect, Officer Sares discharged his department issued rifle, which ended the threat immediately.
The suspect wounded in the officer involved shooting was identified as, Joshua Smith, 30 year old male from Long Beach. Smith was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, March 13th on an outstanding felony parole warrant and two counts of attempted murder on a peace officer.
Here is what Brentwood Police released on Wednesday:
The Medal of Valor is one of the highest recognition’s of achievement presented by the Brentwood Police Department. It is awarded to department employees who distinguish themselves with extraordinary acts bravery, heroism, and courage that go beyond the call of duty. This past weekend, Officers Jordan Sares and Nicholas Bugnatto were honored with this prestigious recognition for their remarkable display of valor during a critical incident on March 12th, 2023.
On that evening, shortly after 9PM, Dispatch received a call regarding an armed suspect holding a victim hostage. When officers arrived on scene they heard gunshots in the immediate vicinity where the incident had been reported. Without hesitation or regard for their own safety, Officer Sares, Officer Bugnato, and other Brentwood Police officers quickly moved towards the sound of gunfire.
Officer Sares and Officer Bugnatto recognized where the gunshots were coming from and advanced to where the suspect was located. They quickly saw that the armed suspect was using the victim as a shield and without hesitation; Officer Sares discharged his department issued rifle, which ended the threat immediately. In this critical moment, Officers Sares and Bugnatto took the lead, demonstrating exceptional decision-making and decisive action.
The teamwork of all the officers on scene, undoubtedly demonstrated courage, steadfast resolve, and complete commitment to rescuing the victim while under fire and putting their own lives at risk.
Officer Sares, Officer Bugnatto, and other BPD officers on scene, demonstrated extreme bravery, but also an equal measure of compassion for the victim once the scene was safe. It is no small measure to risk one’s life for a complete stranger, and their actions are clearly an act of heroism and selflessness.
Original Stories:
- May 9, 2023 – Brentwood Police Release Video in Officer Involved Shooting
- March 12, 2023 – Two Wounded in Sunday Night Brentwood Shooting
2 comments
What’s the story on the officer who received the life saving award?
We all owe these amazing officers a huge thanks and appreciation for their bravery and sense of duty.
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