Officer

California Highway Patrol

6/19/2019

Special Act Award (Gold)

On June 19, 2019, at approximately 6:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Panlilio responded to a request for assistance from the Sacramento Police Department. The Sacramento Police Department advised that Officer Tara O’Sullivan had been shot and was lying in the backyard of a residence. Attempts to rescue her were met with gunfire by the barricaded suspect. Without hesitation, Officer Panlilio responded to the scene and began to work with other officers to actively assess the situation. The gravity of the situation became apparent as officers realized the suspect was utilizing a high-powered rifle capable of penetrating any department-issued ballistic vest material. The suspect was shooting from an elevated position while obscured behind the walls of his home and was using security cameras to monitor the exact positions of on-scene law enforcement personnel. Any attempt to rescue Officer O’Sullivan would expose officers to a life-threatening risk of being shot by the barricaded suspect. Despite the obvious and extreme danger, Officer Panlilio made the decision to leave his position of safety and joined the effort to rescue Officer O’Sullivan, taking cover behind an armored vehicle. The armored vehicle came under fire as it breached the backyard fence and made its way to a location between the gunman and Officer O’Sullivan. Officer O’Sullivan was loaded into the armored vehicle, but as the armored vehicle was retreating from the backyard, it became disabled while still in the line-of-fire of the barricaded gunman. Officer Panlilio not only understood the immediate need to get Officer O’Sullivan to the hospital, he was also aware of the vulnerable situation they now faced due to the disabled vehicle. Officer Panlilio lifted Officer O’Sullivan with the assistance of Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Nielsen and carried her across 30 feet of open ground to an awaiting Sacramento Police Department patrol vehicle. During the rescue carry to the patrol vehicle, the gunman was firing rifle rounds at Officer Panlilio and Deputy Nielson. Once inside the patrol vehicle, Officer Panlilio took control of the situation and directed the driver to drive to the UC Davis Medical Center. During the transport, Officer Panlilio used his advanced medical training as he guided Deputy Nielsen to help him perform two-man cardiopulmonary resuscitation. He continuously provided verbal encouragement to Deputy Nielsen and the driver. Officer Panlilio’s actions during this rescue effort were truly that of a selfless individual. His ability to maintain focus while voluntarily placing himself in the crosshairs of danger demonstrates a true act of valor. With no regard for his own safety, Officer Panlilio went above and beyond the call of duty. The State of California takes great pride in presenting the Gold Medal of Valor to California Highway Patrol Officer Michael Panlilio.