Crime & Safety

Hollywood Officers Honored by American Legion

The officers were recognized during the American Legion's annual awards ceremony, "Law and Order Night."

Two Los Angeles police officers assigned to Hollywood Division were recognized by the American Legion for their response in December 2011 to a reported gunman on a shooting spree at Sunset and Vine.

They were among several firefighters, police officers, FBI agents and their families who gathered at the in Pacific Palisades Monday for the annual "Law and Order Night," an awards ceremony that honors those who work tirelessly to keep Southern Californians safe.

The awards are given out to law enforcement and first responders in the 24th district of the American Legion, which includes Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Los Feliz and Beverly Hills.

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Honorees were given countless commendations, including recognition from the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California Assemblyman Mike Davis and U.S. Rep. Karen Bass.

Special Honor for Officer Kevin Cotter and Detective Craig Marquez

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On Dec. 9, 2011, Cotter was working a shift for a movie shoot and Marquez was preparing for scheduled detective work when a call came in about shots fired at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. The suspect, Tyler Brehm, 26, was shooting at people and cars while walking through the street.

According to LAPD, when Cotter and Marquez ordered Brehm to drop his weapon, he pointed his gun at officers. The officers shot at Brehm, fatally wounding him.

One man, music executive John Atterberry, died in the hospital after being shot in the jaw by Brehm.

"Its not what we do on a daily basis, it's what we do in the worst of situations," said Cotter upon receiving the honor.

Cotter served in the U.S. Army and worked for 20 years as a construction worker. He joined the LAPD in July 1995. He has worked with the Central Traffic Division, the South Traffic Division and the West Traffic Division during his career.

Marquez was born on the island of Maui, Hawaii, and joined the Marines at age 17. Marquez was first stationed in Panama and then served as a rifleman back in the U.S. Marquez currently works in the Hollywood Detective Division.

Many who presented and accepted awards Monday night spoke about the bravery and service of our officers and firefighters. Many recipients thanked colleagues, mentors and friends. However, one group was thanked time and time again … the families that support our heroes.

Head to Pacific Palisades Patch for more on the ceremony.


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