Atascadero Police department to honor 11-year-old with lifesaving medal
11-year-old acted to save friend in fatal incident
– The Atascadero Police Department will hold a public ceremony April 22 at 5:30 p.m. to posthumously award the Honorary Lifesaving Medal to 11-year-old Jose Gutierrez, who died earlier this year in a hit-and-run accident. The event will take place at the steps of Atascadero City Hall, located at 6500 Palma Avenue.
Gutierrez will receive the medal in recognition of his actions that saved another child’s life. According to the department, he warned a friend to move out of the way of a vehicle that had veered off the road, placing himself in harm’s way.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of this brave young boy,” said Dan Suttles, chief of police for the City of Atascadero. “But we are also deeply moved by his heroism. He may never have worn the badge, but he showed the heart and spirit of a true officer. We are honored to call him one of our own.”
Gutierrez had expressed a desire to become a police officer. The department stated that his final actions reflected the values of the profession, including courage, duty and protection of others.
The Honorary Lifesaving Medal is one of the highest awards given by the department.
The ceremony is open to the public. Community members are invited to attend and show support for the Gutierrez family.
