Torrance, CA (May 11, 2012): On Thursday, May 10, two Bishop Montgomery alumni were honored by the South Bay Medal of Valor committee for their roles in serving the community.
On January 18, 2011, Gardena Police Lieutenant Vince Osorio '87 and Gardena Police Detective Hugo Gualotuna '90 were among the officers who entered the Gardena High School campus and rescued two 15-year-old students shot in a classroom. The officers responded when a teacher called 911 to report the shooting. Osorio, Gualotuna, and the other officers entered the campus, not knowing where the gunman was and found a teenage girl bleeding on the floor in a classroom with a gunshot wound to the head. The officers picked up the girl and took her to the front of the school, where paramedics had responded.
During the South Bay Medal of Valor Awards held at the Torrance Marriott South Bay, Osorio and Gualotuna received the Distinguished Service Award for their roles in the Gardena High School incident.
The South Bay Medal of Valor is awarded to outstanding individual police officers and firefighters in the South Bay who have distinguished themselves by bravery, heroism or other outstanding meritorious actions beyond the normal demands of protection service.
The Bishop Montgomery community congratulates all those who were honored, especially Lt. Osorio and Detective Gualotuna. Thank you for all you do.
Below is KTLA's video coverage of the Medal of Valor Awards Ceremony.