HAPCOA Announces 2017 Aguila Award Winner

(Los Angeles) The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) announced its selectees for its annual Aguila Award and recognition Medals.

The Aguila Statue Award, is the highest form of recognition awarded by HAPCOA for exceptional contributions in support of HAPCOA’s mission and goals. Nominees exemplify the highest levels of concern for Public Safety and embody the principles of HAPCOA. This year’s award will be presented to Chief Roberto L. Hylton, who presently serves as the senior law enforcement advisor for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington, DC. Hylton previously served as Chief of Police for the Prince Georges County Police Department in Maryland from 2011 – 2018.

The Aguila Statue Award, its Medals and the Harris Technology Award will be presented on Wednesday, May 2^nd at its annual Award Luncheon to be held during the HAPCOA 44^th Annual National Law Enforcement Training Symposium to be held at the California Endowment Center, Los Angeles, CA.

In addition to the Aguila Statue Award, HAPCOA will also recognize the following individuals for deeds and actions taken and truly worthy of national recognition.

The Harris Technology Award is presented for exemplary investigative actions taken with the support of advanced and emerging technology. This is the first year for this award and it goes to: NCIS, Joint Child Crimes Task Force (JCCTF), Okinawa, Japan.

The Bronze Medal for Community Service is presented to an individual or individuals who have contributed to civic projects or programs that have resulted in the betterment of the community. This year’s awardees are: Chief Teresa Ramon, of the Judson ISD, San Antonio, TX. Eddie Lopez, President of the Spanish American Law Enforcement Association (SALEA) with members of the Philadelphia Police Department and its Sheriffs Department. The Hurricane Maria Rescue Team of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, based in Miami and Puerto Rico.

The Silver Medal for Meritorious Conduct is presented to an individual(s), who have performed meritorious work in law enforcement. This year’s awardees are: Commissioner Ovidio Fuentes Conception, Office of Institutional Directorate (DIASP), Panama. Chief Paul Chapa, Trinity University Police Department, San Antonio, TX. Esteban Blis, SSG US Army (retired), HAPCOA Panama Chapter.

The Gold Medal of Valor is presented to an individual(s) who while on official duty, performed beyond the call, exemplifying courage and boldness. This year we award two Gold Medals of Valor posthumously. First to Sgt Steve Perez, of the Houston Police Department (end of watch August 27, 2017) and then to Officer Greggory Casillas, of the Pomona Police Department (end of watch March 9, 2018).

Serving as the HAPCOA Awards Luncheon KEYNOTE Speaker will be Assistant Sheriff Eddie Rivero of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.