Medal of Valor awarded to rookie cop involved in a San Bernardino gun battle

Gov. Jerry Brown on Monday awarded the state’s Medal of Valor to two police officers, including a San Bernardino officer involved in a deadly gun battle months after graduating from the police academy.

The ceremony, held at the Capitol, was attended by Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris and public safety officials from across the state.

“Societies decline very quickly if they’re not possessed by virtues of generosity and courage and, yes, valor,” Brown said. “We honor two people today ... the idea is not just to honor them, but to reflect on the moments when they had to make very quick decisions. And that does take courage, particularly when you know there’s going to be someone around the corner who’s going to be second guessing you for what you did or didn’t do.’’

Nominations for the medal are reviewed by a special panel of public safety officials, and the process is conducted under the umbrella of the California Department of Justice.

San Bernardino Police Officer Marcus Pesquera received the medal for his response to a gunfight with suspected gang member in August 2014.

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Pesquera, a rookie, was on patrol with training Officer Gabriel Garcia. When the two approached a group of people standing around a vehicle, with its hood up and doors open, one of the men shot and seriously wounded Garcia. While he called in for backup, Pesquera returned fire. He was forced to take cover when the gunman, later identified as 38-year-old Alex Alvarado, opened fire with a assault rifle, according to police reports.

Pesquera killed the suspect during the gun battle. Garcia, who was shot in the head, survived and is continuing to recover from his injuries.

Sonora Police Officer Ryan D. Webb, an eight-year veteran of the department, responded to a report of an armed man trying to enter a residence in November 2014. When Webb spotted the suspect driving away, he pursued him.

With people on the street around them, the suspect jumped out of his car in downtown Sonora and opened fire on Webb. The officer returned fire, and was hit by a bullet, which did not cause significant injury thanks to protective gear. When the suspect fled, Webb jumped in his patrol car and followed him.

The suspect was later killed after pulling over and shooting at Webb and other responding officers.

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