PACOIMA, Calif. (KNX) — Three Los Angeles police officers are being nationally recognized for their heroism stemming from a rescue on Jan. 9 — the day they dove into harm's way to pull a downed airplane pilot from his cab before it was hit by an oncoming train in Pacoima.
Video shared by the LAPD shows the train smashing into the downed plane about three seconds after officers Christopher Aboyte, Damian Castro, and Robert Sherock pulled the pilot out of the plane and onto the street.
Monday, the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEM) reached out to KNX to say that all three officers had been named as “officers of the month” for January 2022 after their heroic actions - which could have easily led to also injuring themselves.
In a statement, the Washington D.C.-based organization said “their heroics saved the life of a trapped pilot who crash-landed on railroad tracks in the city of Pacoima, back in early January. We are hopeful to get this message out to folks in the city of Los Angeles to highlight and honor the police officers’ bravery, valor and decisiveness in saving the life of the pilot and risking their own lives.”
The rescue happened around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 9, on the railroad tracks at San Fernando Road and Osborne Street, after the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing roughly one block from the LAPD’s Foothill police station, the NLEM said. Once officers arrived, they realized the plane had landed on the train tracks, and a nearby train was headed toward it.
“Putting themselves at risk, they worked to free the pilot, who suffered severe injuries, from the wreck in time to save the pilot’s life,” NLEM said.
In the statement announcing the honor, Marcia Ferranto — the CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund — offered her congratulations to Officers Aboyte, Castro and Sherock.
“Their decisiveness in the face of danger serves as an inspiration for all and we are deeply honored to present them with this award,” she said.
Get to know the officers:
Police Officer II Christopher Aboyte:
A seven-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Aboyte was appointed to the department on Jan. 26, 2015 and has received 23-commendations during his service with the department.
Police Officer II Damian Castro:
A four-year veteran of the LAPD currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Castro was appointed to the department on Feb. 20, 2015 and has received 11-commendations during his service with the department.
Police Officer II Robert Sherock:
A 10-year veteran of the LAPD currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Sherock was appointed to the department on Nov. 7, 2011 and has received 59-commendations and a Lifesaving Medal during his service with the department.
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