During today’s Reno City Council Meeting, Reno Police Chief Michael Poehlman and the City Council honored two RPD officers and a Reno code enforcement officer for their lifesaving acts.

Officer Carlos Valles was presented the Police Medal of Valor and Officer Robert Garlock the Lifesaving Award. The officers’ heroic, lifesaving acts warranted them both to receive two of the highest honors.

On January 7, 2010, Officer Garlock responded to a stabbing call and was the first to arrive on scene. After hearing a badly injured person was still inside the apartment, without hesitation or and while putting himself at risk as suspects were still in the area, Officer Garlock entered the apartment to help the victim. Garlock performed medical treatment for the severe bleeding until emergency medical attention arrived. Hospital personnel, who subsequently treated the victim, said Officer Garlock’s quick response to render aid to the victim prevented certain death.

On April 17, 2010, Officer Valles was the first to arrive on scene of a structure fire. Flames were engulfing the apartment of an elderly resident and thick, black smoke billowed from the front door. Due to the smoke neighbors were unable to try and rescue her. Officer Valles entered the apartment, crawled to the unconscious woman inside, and pulled her back outside to safety. Emergency medical personnel on scene said they believed the woman would not have survived if she had remained in the apartment a minute longer. Officer Valles was treated for smoke inhalation.

In addition to the two Reno Police Officer honors, City of Reno Code Enforcement Officer Cindi Gil-Blanco was presented the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation.

On May 12, 2010, Code Enforcement Officer Gil-Blanco was driving home after work when she observed a young man rolling down an embankment after being struck by a vehicle while on his bicycle. The man’s helmet had flown off his head after he was thrown several feet from the site of impact. Realizing he was not moving and was suffering from shock and head injuries, Gil-Blanco quickly came to his aid. Gil-Blanco used her experience as a former police officer, ski instructor, and the certified first aid training as a Code Officer to immediately provide medical treatment. In addition, Gil-Blanco took control of the scene until emergency responders arrived. The young man’s mother advised that thanks to Gil-Blanco’s immediate action her son is alive and stayed in good condition.