Motor Vehicle Representative

Department of Motor Vehicles

3/9/2010

Special Service Award (Silver)

Shortly before noon on March 9, 2010, 70 customers were in the lobby of the Hanford DMV office, when a man came in, walked straight toward the testing area, and began shouting profanities at a young man. He was yelling, “You disrespected me!” and then started hitting the young man with his fists. Several people in the testing area ran away from the irate man, except for an elderly lady who was too scared to move. The young man did not fight back, but did attempt to protect himself. People in the office were yelling at the man to stop. However, he ignored them and continued to hit the young man with closed fists. He then began to slam the young man’s head on the edge of the counter repeatedly, causing blood to splatter onto the wall, floor and counters. While no one stepped in to help the young man or make any attempt to stop the violence, fearing for the young man’s life, Motor Vehicle Field Representative, Merna Velasco, jumped over the handicapped counter, ran up to the man, shouted “STOP”, grabbed his arm and held it until he stopped beating the young man. The man then ran out of the office and was arrested soon after. Ms. Velasco’s actions, without regard for her personal safety, prevented further serious injury and possibly death to this young victim. The State of California takes great pride in presenting to Merna Velasco, this Silver Medal of Valor for her extraordinary act of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service.