Contra Costa County Sheriff's Deputy Given Award of Valor by CA Peace Officer's Association

Information, photo provided by the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office:

Deputy Gary Clark was given an Award of Valor by the CPOA during its annual awards luncheon on October 6, 2014.
Last September, retired Sergeant Gary Clark, working as a per diem Deputy Sheriff in the Civil Unit, and his partner conducted an eviction at a residence in unincorporated San Ramon.

During the eviction process, a shot rang out from inside the house. A locksmith’s supervisor, who was standing in the front yard, was shot in his inner thigh and was losing a substantial amount of blood.

Related: Across the Street from the San Ramon Standoff

Sergeant Clark immediately ran to the victim’s aid and shielded him with his own body until he was able to get him to a safe position of cover. With the suspect still in the house, Sergeant Clark risked his own safety to save the life of the victim. Twice, he ran past the line of fire up a hill to get a gurney from a staged ambulance, and then again, when he pushed the gurney with the victim back up the hill to the waiting ambulance.

Silver Medal of Valor Award from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office in 2013

“This award recognizes extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty. Public safety officers must have exhibited extraordinary courage, decisiveness and presence of mind, and unusual swiftness of action, regardless of personal safety, in an attempt to save or protect human life, where the act is deemed above and beyond the call of duty. With this award, CPOA recognizes acts that, at their very core, demonstrate the nobility of the policing profession.”

Previous coverage:

• Norris Canyon Shooter Identified, Charged with 5 Counts Attempted Murder
• Hearing Set for Alleged Shooter in Norris Canyon Standoff
• Gunfire Interrupts Quiet Living in Norris Canyon Estates
• Man Surrenders Following Standoff in Norris Canyon Neighborhood