7 LAPD Officers Named ‘Top Cops’
Seven Los Angeles police officers who braved gunfire to rescue a Glendale officer mortally wounded in a 1997 warehouse ambush will be honored at a White House reception today.
The seven were named “Top Cops” by fellow officers from across the nation, officials said.
The National Assn. of Police Organizations said the award will honor officers Andy Azodi, Jude Bella, Ryan Clark, Chris Dunn, Kevin J. Foster, Craig Schofield Hewitt and Chris Yaguirre.
The White House reception honoring the officers--who worked at the Los Angeles Police Department’s North Hollywood, West Valley and Foothill divisions--will be followed on Friday by an awards ceremony and dinner for the recipients and their families.
Glendale Police Officer Charles Lazzaretto died after being shot by a domestic-abuse suspect in a darkened Chatsworth warehouse. The suspect later was slain, and Officers Bella and Foster were wounded in their attempt to rescue Lazzaretto.
Top Cops are nominated by fellow law enforcement officers and selected from hundreds of nominations. The top 10 cases from around the country are chosen for the distinction.
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