Image via WikipediaLos Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Metropolitan Division K-9 Officer Steven Jenkins was released from the hospital today just in time to spend Easter with his family and fellow officers.On April 4, 2011, around 3 a.m., Metropolitan K-9 Police Officer III Steven Jenkins, 21 years and 11 months with the Department was in the 13600 block of Dronfield Avenue involved in a search for a domestic violence suspect. As Jenkins and his fellow officers approached the residence, a suspect later identified as 53-year-old Sergio Salazar of Sylmar, opened fire on Jenkins critically wounding him in the face and chest.
Jenkins was taken to safety by other police personnel and immediately transported to a local hospital by Los Angeles Fire Department personnel who had been on scene treating the victim of the domestic violence. The location was contained and SWAT personnel responded to the barricaded suspect. The gunman was later discovered dead from apparent gunshot wounds and two rifles were recovered from the immediate vicinity of Salazar.
Since that fateful day Jenkins has undergone a series of surgeries and continues to recover from his injuries. Officer Jenkins, his family and the LAPD expressed great appreciation for all the support they have received from community members and the LAPD family and friends. Steve and his family are extremely grateful to all of the medical personnel at both Holy Cross Medical Center and the USC University Hospital, who were heroic in their own right as they provided critical care for Officer Jenkins.
Members of the LAPD's Metropolitan Division, K-9 Unit, Sergeant Miles Taylor, Police Officer III David Wade, Police Officer III Linda Travis and Police Officer III Joshua Kniss were part of Officer Jenkins' search team the night when Steve was ambushed and shot by Salazar. They have remained by Steve's side throughout this ordeal as has Jenkin's wife Beth. Today, his team was steadfast by his side as they escorted him from the hospital into a Metropolitan suburban. "Today we are here to finish our call with Steve, together and we are going to get him home to his family" said Lieutenant Bob Arcos, Officer-in-Charge of the K-9 platoon. "This is a great day for all of us. These officers risk it all everyday for our Community and we are very grateful for the support Steve and his family have received", Arcos continued. Officer Jenkins loaded up into the black suburban, jaw still wired shut, as he managed a smile as best he could, a wave just before he was driven away with his K-9 partners and wife Beth. Officer Jenkins has a long road of recovery ahead, but on this day he has one single mission, to spend a thankful Easter weekend at home surrounded by family and friends.
