June 14, 2005 > The Extra Step

Police officers, city officials and family members were on hand Thursday, June 9th as three members of the Fremont Police Department were honored with the Distinguished Service Medal, only awarded twice before by the department. An introduction by Sergeant Clarise Lew was followed by laudatory comments by Lieutenant Frank Grgurina, Vice Mayor Dominic Dutra, City Manager Fred Diaz, Officer Glenn Miller and Chief of Police Craig Steckler. Each speaker emphasized the extraordinary accomplishment of the trio's actions.

Officer Miller explained that the Distinguished Service Medal is reserved for those who take "the extra step" not attendant with regular duty and would not be cause for criticism if left undone. The nomination [edited] says it all:

I formally nominate Sgt. Dan Pasquale, Sgt. Curt Codey and Ofc. Gary Cooper for their conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty by placing themselves in mortal danger while attempting to save the life of a shooting victim.

On October 20, 2004, at 1559 hours, Sgt. Pasquale, Sgt. Codey and Ofc. Cooper responded to a call of a domestic fight where one party had a gun. While en route, they were told that one shot had possibly been fired.

Upon arrival, Sgt. Pasquale saw an adult male victim lying face down in the parking lot. The victim was not moving. Sgt. Codey and Ofc. Copper arrived as Sgt. Pasquale deployed a high-powered rifle.

Not knowing the location of the suspect, Sgt. Pasquale, Sgt. Codey and Ofc. Codey entered the field of fire to save the life of the bleeding victim. Sgt. Pasquale then provided cover for Sgt. Codey and Ofc. Cooper as they physically dragged the victim from the field of fire to a place of safety.

I feel that Sgt. Pasquale, Sgt. Codey and Ofc. Cooper's conspicuous intrepidity and humanitarian regard for their fellow man were in keeping with the most cherished traditions of the police service and reflected utmost credit on them and the Fremont Police Department.

Respectfully Submitted,
Glenn Miller