Guest Opinion | Police Officer Thomas Corralez: Thanks For The Appreciation

I would like to thank Ms. Linda Simmons for her Opinion, “In support of David Llanes,” dated December 1, 2021. Her piece was a breath of fresh air to the community police officers of our City. I would also like to thank all of the residents, business owners and visitors to our City who daily show appreciation and support for their police officers. With all the current negative commentary about the police and policing, my first thought was to remain quiet and let things be. But no, I can’t do that.

We, the men and women of the Pasadena Police Department, are contacted daily and thanked for the work we do. Unfortunately, it feels like we are not thanked nearly as much as we are ridiculed and cursed. There are those who have their own agendas; they use their influence and power to muster support from others, by spreading false information and distorted truths. They jump to conclusions and pass judgments without considering all the available facts. Are they inviting a state of lawlessness, so that they and those they hold dear, could live with disregard for the safety, well-being and privacy of others? This small group would like nothing more than to portray the men and women of the PPD as criminals, racists and thugs.

Just a few weeks ago, in East Pasadena, a young man used a firearm to take the life of another. While he fled the area, he violated and victimized other area residents. Calls for help were made and when officers arrived, they immediately came under gunfire. Despite the suspect’s attempts to kill them, your officers continued to pursue this armed and violent man with disregard for their own personal safety, to prevent his violent acts from harming any additional innocent victims. The officers were willing to be victims, so that others were not. Ultimately, while attempting to apprehend this violent individual, an officer involved shooting occurred. The murderous violence was stopped. No more innocent and unsuspecting persons were harmed.

The motive for this crime spree is still unknown. No matter what the cause, any loss of life is tragic. The preservation of life is the paramount and sought-after goal for all in law enforcement. No amount of training and preparation can predict the actions of someone who refuses to be held to society’s accepted norms. As law enforcement officers, we must react to the actions of others, while disregarding our safety and the concerns of our loved ones.

The officers involved are now subject to multiple investigations that could possibly take years to complete. Every action they took will be scrutinized under a microscope and judged. What transpired in a rapidly unfolding, uncertain and frightening event will stay with those officers forever. Their mission was to stop the violence; despite the disparaging comments that may be made, despite possible civil litigation and despite criminal and administrative judgements that may come. I hope to reach reasonable minds with my message and give you a glimpse into the sacrifices we make daily to keep you and our community safe.

I thank all the members and visitors of the Pasadena community who have shown and continue to show their appreciation for the tireless work performed by the members of the Pasadena Police Department.

Officer Thomas Corralez
Sergeant at Arms,
Pasadena Police Officers Association.