WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 7, 2022) - The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) today announced Christopher Aboyte, Damian Castro and Robert Sherock of the Los Angeles Police Department have been named Officers of the Month for January 2022. The three officers rescued a trapped pilot that had crash-landed on railroad tracks in the City of Pacoima, seconds before a train collided with and destroyed the aircraft.
On January 9, 2022, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the three Los Angeles Police Officers responded to the crash after the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing, roughly a block from the LAPD Foothill police station. They quickly observed the train traveling at a high rate of speed, in the direction of the downed aircraft. Putting themselves at risk, they worked to free the pilot, who suffered severe injuries, from the wreck in time to save the pilot’s life.
“We would like to congratulate Officers Aboyte, Castro and Sherock for their heroism and timely instincts to save the life of the pilot injured in the crash,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their decisiveness in the face of danger serves as an inspiration for all and we are deeply honored to present them with this award.”
Police Officer II Christopher Aboyte, is a seven-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Aboyte was appointed to the Department on January 26, 2015. Officer Aboyte has received 23-commendations during his service with the Department.
Police Officer II Damian Castro, is a four-year veteran of the LAPD and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Castro was appointed to the Department on February 20, 2015. Officer Aboyte has received 11-commendations during his service with the Department.
Police Officer II Robert Sherock, is a ten-year veteran of the LAPD and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Sherock was appointed to the Department on November 7, 2011. Officer Sherock has received 59-commendations and a Lifesaving Medal during his service with the Department.
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
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About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The Memorial Fund maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the names of all of the 22,611 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history. The National Law Enforcement Museum at the Motorola Solutions Foundation Building is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
About the Police Unity Tour (www.policeunitytour.com)The Police Unity Tour is a four-day bicycle ride from New Jersey to Washington, DC, whose mission is to raise public awareness about law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty, and to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. The Tour is made up of nine chapters consisting of nearly 2,600 members nationwide. Since its inception, the Police Unity Tour has donated more than $30 million to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
