Two Santa Cruz CHP Officers receive Medal of Valor

CALIFORNIA (KION-TV)- Two CHP Santa Cruz officers received the Gold Medal of Valor at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento on Tuesday.

Officers Michael Estey and Luis Rodriguez, along with four other officers, were presented and given the award by Governor Gavin Newsom. According to officials, this honor is the highest honor the state can bestow upon its employees who have risked their lives to save others.

On June 6, 2020, Officers Estey and Rodríguez responded to an ambush in Santa Cruz County where deputies were under fire from a domestic terrorist. Despite their vehicle being hit by gunfire, they engaged the shooter, wounded him and prevented further casualties.