National Ceremonies
Every week in which May 15 falls, the law enforcement community gathers in Washington, D.C., to honor our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting and serving their communities. Tens of thousands of attendees from U.S. police departments and even international agencies are joined by dignitaries and officials from the top levels of our government to pay tribute. Attendees include the sitting president and his cabinet, members of Congress, and leaders from the Department of Justice, Homeland Security and other agencies, as well as branches of the military.
The Police Week ceremonies are made possible by the combined efforts of several law enforcement organizations and include the Police Unity Tour and Candlelight Vigil, hosted by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund; Peace Officers’ Memorial Day Service at the U.S. Capitol, organized by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and FOP Auxiliary; National Police Survivors’ Conference, hosted by the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.); and the Top Cops awards program, presented by the National Association of Police Organizations.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has a proud history of participating in the Police Week ceremonies, and sadly, over 20 of its fallen officers are carved on the walls of the Memorial. Fortunately, this year no members of our Department were added to the wall, and we hope to continue that trend as long as possible.
The Department has an impressive number of Top Cop recipients, and this year was no exception, with Honorable Mention awards going to LVMPD Officers Dave Corbin (who was a Top Cop in 2015) and Samuel Solorio Jr.
If you have not yet attended Police Week, we encourage you to make it a priority to do so at some point in your career. The entire week is a profoundly moving experience, and one not to be missed by members of our profession.
Top Cops Awards
On May 12, Metro Officers Dave Corbin and Samuel Solorio Jr. received Honorable Mention awards at the 24th Annual NAPO Top Cops ceremony during Police Week in Washington, D.C.
On January 26, 2016, Officer Solorio came to the aid of Officer Corbin after suspect Gilberto Gutierrez sped through the streets of Las Vegas in a stolen car. Officers placed Stop Sticks on the road, puncturing the car’s tires and causing Gutierrez to crash and flee the scene on foot.
Officer Solorio heard the call as he was leaving work and raced in his personal vehicle to help Officer Corbin, who was by himself.
As Solorio arrived, Gutierrez was in Corbin’s blind spot and was aiming a handgun at him. Officer Solorio accelerated toward Gutierrez, distracting him. Gutierrez then aimed his gun at Solorio, who fired first through his windshield, hitting Gutierrez and ending the threat to his and Officer Corbin’s lives.
Congratulations to both of these brave officers, and thank you for representing our Department so well.
State Ceremony
On May 4, officers from across the state attended the 20th Annual Nevada Law Enforcement Officers ceremony in Carson City, honoring 130 peace officers who have died in the line of duty in service to the state of Nevada. During the event, Officers Rodolfo Gil and Lukas Ferris received the Hoffman Survivor’s Award (pictured at right with Honor Guard Commander and NEAC Captain Rich Fletcher).
Local Ceremonies
On May 18, hundreds of Southern Nevada officers and their families and friends attended a service at Police Memorial Park to honor 47 fallen officers from Metro, North Las Vegas, Henderson and other city and county police departments, as well as federal and state agencies. Thirteen officers were added to the ceremony’s list of honored officers, including North Las Vegas Officer Chad Parque, who was struck and killed in an on-duty vehicle accident on January 7, 2017.
Taking Care of the Blue Family
On June 8 at the LVMPD Northeast Area Command, three wreaths were placed to honor Officer Alyn Beck, Officer Igor Soldo and civilian Joseph Wilcox on the third anniversary of their deaths. Two days later, on Saturday, June 10, over 100 Metro officers attended the high school graduation of Officer Beck’s son, Daxton. It was a proud, unforgettable moment for everyone involved.
Photos courtesy of the LVMPD, LVMPD Honor Guard, Jenifer Morris and Adella Solano