NORTH HOLLYWOOD SHOOT-OUT ANNIVERSARY

North Hollywood Shoot-out 9-1-1 tapes (total time 43:46 minutes)

Mayor Villaraigosa, Chief Bratton, and state and local dignitaries observed the tenth anniversary of the infamous North Hollywood Shoot-Out at a press conference on February 28. Standing across the street from the Bank of America where the fateful incident took place, the events of those horrific 44 minutes were recounted to local media and community members.

Chief Bratton called the response to one of the most violent acts in modern police history "LAPD’s finest hour." The shoot-out is regarded as an icon of police heroism under fire throughout law enforcement agencies worldwide, as our officers were outgunned but unfazed by this limitation. By the end of the shoot-out, the two perpetrators had fired over 1,100 rounds of ammunition, while LAPD officers fired about 750 rounds. Through sheer bravery, determination, superior training, communication, and cooperation, the situation was resolved with no police or civilian fatalities.

Many of the officers involved in the incident were present and commended yesterday, including Officer Anthony Cabunoc, Detective Thomas Culotta, Officer Richard Massa, Detective Vincent Bancroft and Sergeant James Zboravan. Captain William Sweet of the North Hollywood Area was awarded with a proclamation from the Mayor. Additionally, Dr. Jorge Montes, who treated several wounded officers in his dental office across the street from the bank, was acknowledged for his selfless acts.

Other dignitaries who spoke included State Assemblymember Richard Alarcon, Councilmember Wendy Greuel, Sheriff Lee Baca, and Deputy Chief Michel Moore.

The North Hollywood Shoot-Out is an example of the danger and challenges LAPD officers face in their profession. It lives on as a reminder to all that our officers, in the face of danger, run toward the sound of gunfire and never give in.

Comments

[SouthEnd P-3]

If anyone has not heard the communications tape of that incident, you should. Not only is it a reminder of what happened, but also a great training tool for young officers.