Sergeant

California Highway Patrol

9/10/2001

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Highway Patrol Sergeant Daniel Snook and Officer Michael Terry on September 10, 2001, performed acts of heroism at risk to their personal safety by rescuing an officer who had been wounded by suspect gunfire and providing cover fire to protect the lives of other law enforcement officers and citizens who were caught in the crossfire. At approximately 11:18 p.m., Sergeant Snook was patrolling the area of Zinfandel Drive and International Drive, in the unincorporated County of Sacramento, when he observed a slow-moving vehicle on northbound Zinfandel Drive. The vehicle was being driven by Mr. Joseph Ferguson, a former employee of Burns International Security, who was targeting security guards currently employed by Burns International Security. He had already taken the lives of five individuals in three different locations. Sergeant Snook advised fellow Officers Martin Tapia, and Nick Salmeron of the suspect's location. At that very moment, the suspect stopped his vehicle, stepped out and began firing at Sergeant Snook and Officers Tapia and Salmeron, who had just arrived on the scene. The suspect had an AK-47 assault rifle, a sawed-off shotgun, and a pistol. Officer Tapia was struck once from a round fired by the suspect. Sergeant Snook continued to engage the suspect by returning fire, thus protecting Officer Tapia and civilian bystanders in the area. He did this while sustaining unrelenting gunfire from the suspect and simultaneously rendering first aid to the fallen officer. Officers Michael Terry and Trevor Shields then arrived on scene and began to exchange gunfire with the suspect. At this point, Officer Terry took the lead by discharging 12 rounds from his weapon, as the suspect returned to his vehicle, while continuing to shoot at the officers. Sergeant Snook continued to render first aid to the fallen Officer Tapia and coordinated the units pursuing the suspect who had subsequently fled the scene. The suspect eventually came to a stop, exited his vehicle and began to shoot at the pursuing officers. Officer Terry continued to risk his life by exchanging direct gunfire with the suspect. This cover fire provided by Officer Terry was successful in diverting the suspect's attention from other law enforcement officers and bystanders, allowing for the necessary rescues and evacuations to occur. In the end, Officer Terry discharged over 60 rounds of ammunition at the suspect, while the suspect fired over 150 rounds of ammunition at him and other involved officers. The suspect later re-entered his vehicle and ended his own life. Sergeant Snook and Officer Terry acted without hesitation or thought to their own personal safety in order to protect the lives of fellow officers and citizens.