Police Officer Wins Medal for Act of Valor 19 Years Ago

Lt. Raymond Dobbs received the San Diego Police Department’s Medal of Valor on Monday for rescuing an 82-year-old woman from a fire 19 years ago.

The medal, which did not exist in 1970 when the heroics occurred, represents the highest level of personal courage in the Police Department, said police spokesman Bill Robinson.

Dobbs, the director of the San Diego Law Enforcement Training Center at Miramar College, said that receiving the medal made him feel as though the rescue had just happened, because he had not really thought about the incident in nearly two decades.

In recounting the incident, he said he was scared when he went into the building to rescue the woman, but he was an enthusiastic rookie and he thought that was “what the job was all about.”

‘I’ve Always Felt Proud’

“I’ve been in the department 21 years, and I’ve always felt proud for being in the Police Department. This (the medal) just enhances that pride,” he said.

William A. Mohrlock, a civilian who entered the burning building with Dobbs and helped in the rescue, said he was glad to see Dobbs receive a medal.

Mohrlock was awarded the Kiwanis Club Moral Fiber Award at the time.

“It took me two months to get mine, but it took him 19 years to get his,” Mohrlock said.

Although Dobbs had received a department commendation in 1970, he was recommended for the medal by police Capt. Dave Johnson in March this year after Johnson reviewed the case.

Incident Is Worthy of Recommendation

“The incident, had it occurred today, would be worthy of recommendation and nomination for the Medal of Valor,” Johnson said.

The purpose of the medal is to recognize outstanding acts of bravery and personal courage, Johnson said. In Dobbs’ case, the medal will serve as a good example for new recruits, because Dobbs will be able to wear the medal on his uniform at the police academy.

Robinson said that, at Dobbs’ request, the medal was not awarded at a formal ceremony.

Although receiving the medal brought back memories, Dobbs said he had not kept track of the woman he rescued, Robbie Dorsey, and neither he nor police officials know what has happened to her.