David Tilstra
Deputy Orange County Sherrif's Department
Other
6/12/2004
Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

On June 12, 2004, Deputy David Tilstra of the Orange County Sheriff's Department was the pilot of the helicopter being used to help officers on the ground locate an armed suspect in Black Star Canyon in rural eastern Orange County. He displayed exceptional valor by continuing to pilot the helicopter after he had been shot by the armed suspect.