November 22, 2024 The Best Source of News, Culture, Lifestyle for Culver City, Mar Vista, Del Rey, Palms and West Los Angeles

LAPD Veteran Recommended to Be Awarded for Christmas Day Heroism

 

Donald Thompson will be honored for his heroic actions.
Donald Thompson was recommended for the “agency’s highest honor for heroism.”

A 26-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department who risked his life pulling a 72-year-old man from a burning vehicle on Christmas day is being recommended for the agency’s highest honor for heroism.

Donald Thompson, who”`without hesitation,” leapt over a pair of concrete dividers and rushed to the man’s aid, “went above and beyond the call of duty in his efforts to remove the unconscious accident victim and save his life,” Chief Charlie Beck wrote in a memo urging the Los Angeles Police Commission to give the officer the “medal of valor.”

“The courageous and selfless actions of Officer Donald Thompson reflect the highest standards of the Los Angeles Police Department and the city of Los Angeles,” Beck said. “His bravery, decisiveness and life-saving actions are undoubtedly deserving of the department’s highest award for valor.”

The commission is scheduled to discuss the recommendation at today’s board meeting.

Thompson was on his way to work when he saw a northbound vehicle slam into the center divider and catch fire on the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway south of the Ventura (101) Freeway just before 2 p.m. on Dec. 25.

Thompson stopped his bomb squad truck, jumped over the center dividers and ran to render aid. He cut the seat belt and freed the unconscious driver as flames began to envelope the front-seat compartment.

With the help of two people who stopped to assist, Thompson pulled the victim, who weighed about 200 pounds, out of the burning car.

“Within moments, the entire vehicle was fully engulfed in flames as Officer Thompson and citizens remained with the driver,” according to an LAPD statement.

The man is suspected of having been driving under the influence of drugs, and possible charges were pending, the California Highway Patrol said at the time. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of moderate injuries, police said.

Thompson, who suffered first- and second-degree burns to his hands and a leg, as well as smoke inhalation and abrasions, was treated at the scene and later received additional treatment at an urgent care facility.

Related Posts

Video Shows Officer-Involved Shooting Outside SMPD Station

November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024

Officials Have Issued a Viewer Advisory, Cautioning That the Material May Be Distressing The Santa Monica Police Department has released...

Donate Blood and Save Lives at Culver City Fire Station This Weekend

November 22, 2024

November 22, 2024

Get a T-Shirt, Gift Card for Participating in the Cedars-Sinai Blood Drive The Culver City Rotary Club, in collaboration with...

LAPD Motorcycle Officer Hospitalized After 405 Freeway Crash in Sepulveda Pass

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Collision Near Skirball Center DrivePossibly Involving a Tesla Caused Major Traffic  The 405 Freeway was the scene of a motorcycle...

Santa Monica Police Release Body Cam Footage of Deadly Force Incident Outside Headquarters

November 21, 2024

November 21, 2024

Graphic Video Shows a Violent Assault on an SMPD Officer by a Knife-Wielding Suspect The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD)...

Breakaway Café Opens New Venice Location with Beachside Grab-and-Go Window

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Bayse Brothers Bring Their Signature Breakfast Dishes and Good Vibes to Venice Breakaway Café, a popular breakfast and lunch eatery...

Last Minute Additions to the Best Thanksgiving 2024 Feasts and Pies To Go

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

If Other Faves are Sold Out, Here’s All The Quality Places to Try Now Celebrity chefs Susan Feniger and Mary...

Everytable’s Holiday Meal Collaboration To Support LA’s Unhoused Youth

November 20, 2024

November 20, 2024

Chef Created Thanksgiving Meal Benefits My Friend’s Place. Everytable, the mission-driven company committed to making scratch-cooked, nutritious meals accessible to...

Los Angeles City Council Codifies Sanctuary Protections for Migrants with New Citywide Ordinance

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Mayor Bass Prioritized the Ordinance after Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to officially...

The Palms Community Council’s Executive Committee Schedules Special Meeting for Nov. 20

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Meeting to Address Open Board Positions and Committee Updates The Executive Committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, Nov....

Hammer Museum Presents 10th Edition of MoMA Contenders: Screenings, Conversations with Top Filmmakers

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Lineup Features Films by Steve McQueen, Sean Baker, and Brady Corbett The Hammer Museum will host the 10th edition of...

Film Review: Wicked

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

By Dolores Quintana Director John Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In The Heights) has crafted an effervescent take on the blockbuster...

Randy’s Donuts Arrives in Culver City with Free Donuts and a $250 Gift Card Giveaway

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Grand Opening on November 19 Includes Sweet Giveaways Starting at 6:00 a.m. The time is finally here. Randy’s Donuts is...

Nicole Nagel’s Futuristic Eric Moss Designed Brentwood Home To Hit Auction Block

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

The Spaceship-Like Property Heads to Auction With No Reserve in December German actress Nicole Nagel, who was part of the...

LA Controller Kenneth Meija: City Left $513 Million of Homelessness Budget Unspent

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

Inefficiencies Blamed for Underspending Despite Record Allocation in FY2024  The City of Los Angeles hasn’t spent over half of its...

West LA College Expands Zero-Cost Textbook Programs with $600K Grant

November 18, 2024

November 18, 2024

College Aims for 50 Zero-Cost Textbook Programs by 2025  West Los Angeles College (West) is expanding its zero-cost textbook program...