Eugene Montanez said he will have reason to be doubly proud at the Law Enforcement Appreciation Committee awards ceremony tonight.
Montanez, the Corona mayor, will present awards for valor to two Corona police officers – one of whom is his son.
"When Bobby was growing up, we never envisioned him being a police officer, and having him go from being a son to being a police officer is a big honor," Montanez said. "To be able to present it to him as the mayor is almost indescribable."
Robert Montanez and Corona officer Daniel Matson, Riverside officer Zach Fishell, Beaumont officer Brent Conan and Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. Tony Hoxmeier will receive awards for valor at the ceremony at Riverside Convention Center that will honor law-enforcement officers in western Riverside County.
On Oct. 18, 2011, Montanez and Matson encountered a man who had been in an accident on Highway 91 and then pointed a rifle at firefighters. The officers placed their patrol cars between the man and other motorists. When the man refused to drop the rifle and then pointed it at the officers, they fired, killing him.
On May 10, 2011, Fishell responded to a shooting at a home. The attacker had shot at least one victim and was still outside, firing his weapon. Fishell initially shot at him from about four houses away. When the suspect appeared likely to attempt to escape or enter a house, Fishell, instead of waiting for backup, crept closer and shot the man, who later died.
"His acts are extraordinary because he sees danger and advances toward it," Riverside Assistant Chief Chris Vicino said. "He recognized that if he decided to wait to ensure his own safety, others could have died. … He's an absolute hero in that respect."
On July 15, 2011, Beaumont officers had been watching a bar and grill where a disc jockey and rappers were performing. Conan was watching from a distance when he saw a large crowd leave the bar. Arguments broke out, and one escalated into a fight. Conan moved closer and ordered people to leave.
Conan then witnessed a man shoot another man. Conan fired, hitting the suspect twice and ending the altercation. More than 100 people then attempted to enter the crime scene, but Conan kept his cool and assisted other officers with keeping the angry crowd away.
Conan's immediate action in a stressful situation prevented others from being injured or killed, according to a statement from the city.
The Riverside County Sheriff's Department did not respond to requests for information on Hoxmeier's actions.