Parole Agent I

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

12/28/2020

Special Act Award (Gold)

On December 28, 2020, at approximately 1:00 p.m., Parole Agent I Luis Cardenas was on duty attempting to find a parolee whose whereabouts were unknown. Upon arrival at the parolee's last known location, Agent Cardenas heard gunshots coming from a nearby Walmart and rushed to the scene. After observing many people running from the store in fear, he immediately radioed for law enforcement and approached the entrance. Agent Cardenas saw a man with a gun standing in front of the store, drew his state-issued firearm and ordered him to drop his weapon. The man complied, explaining the actual shooter had dropped the gun before entering the store. After securing the weapon, Agent Cardenas put the safety of customers and employees ahead of his own and entered the store. A frantic employee pointed out the shooter. Agent Cardenas approached the suspect who immediately surrendered. Agent Cardenas kept the suspect at gunpoint until local law enforcement officers arrived and remained at the scene while officers secured the building. Through his quick thinking, situational awareness and law enforcement training, Agent Cardenas kept over 100 community members safe that day. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to now-retired California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Parole Agent I Luis Cardenas for his extraordinary act of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty.