Correctional Officer

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

7/28/2016

Special Service Award (Silver)

On July 28, 2016, at 5:00 p.m., a man stole a knife from the Costco store in Modesto, and threatened employees and shoppers. Costco employees evacuated the store, and forced the man out by creating a barrier with shopping carts and other objects. The knife-wielding man remained a danger to everyone outside the store. Modesto Police Detective John McGill stated that the man’s actions “brought panic to the general public.” Correctional Officer Kevin Machado approached the man outside the store, drew his concealed weapon, identified himself as a peace officer, and ordered the man to drop the knife. The man jabbed with the knife, and lunged at Officer Machado several times. The man continued to pursue Officer Machado, getting within five to eight feet of the officer. Officer Machado fired a single shot and wounded the man, thus stopping the assault. After the man was released from the hospital, he was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, and one count of robbery. With no regard for his own safety, Officer Machado’s heroic service saved the lives of fellow Costco shoppers from a knife-wielding attacker. The State of California takes great pride in presenting this Silver Medal of Valor to Correctional Officer Kevin Machado.