LAPD Sergeant Returns from Two Tours in Iraq Chief Bratton Welcomes Sergeant Back to Resume Police Duties

Los Angeles: Today, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief William Bratton held a special "meet and greet" to welcome back Sergeant Jose Melendez to the Department after serving two military active-duty tours in Iraq.

Before joining the LAPD in 2002, Melendez joined the California National Guard in 1999. His first tour of duty in Iraq was from November 2004 to December 2005. It was during this period that he had his most gratifying experiences. "My most rewarding experience was training younger American and Iraqi soldiers to be the best leaders," he said, "so that when I left, they would be the experienced ones…and the cycle would continue."

Melendez' second tour of duty in Iraq lasted from March 2007 through May of this year, and he has no regrets about his time in military service. "I serve because I have pride in my country, confidence in my government and faith in my fellow soldiers to bring me home safely," he said. He also believes in the importance of helping the Iraqi people to ensure their safety and promote economic growth by creating a stable, democratic society.

Melendez is a native Californian from Burbank who now resides in Riverside County. Coming back to the Department, he looks forward to resuming his duties at the Van Nuys Division. "Most of all, I'm glad to be back home with the family and friends who endured the hardship of my absence," he said. "And it's really great to come back to the LAPD."

Comments

[ABCofficer]

I don't know him so he may just be a kick butt kinda guy. I have to wonder how someone made the rank of Sgt. with just 4 years of actual street service with LAPD. I am assuming he was in the field the entire 4 years. I am not taking away from anyting he did in Iraq. In fact I'm sure his time in Iraq was far more harrowing than the same amount of time on the streets of LA. That being said I still can't see a Sgt after 4 years field time. Maybe a P-3 and thats pushing it. If he is a Sgt in the military then I think the poster didnt make that distinction clear. Anyway this was in no way intended as a knock on Officer Melendez just a comment on our departments promotional tendencies. Welcome back Sgt. I'm sure many of your fellow officers missed you and thanks for what you have done for all of us here in the USA.

[Jennie]

Thanks for serving in our military Sgt. Melendez and welcome home. Being away from home and work for that much time during these past few years is difficult.

I'm going to take a shot in the dark and guess that there are many more officers in the LAPD that have done tours or are currently during tours. Thanks to all of them for serving too.

[The one who knows..]

Welcome back Sarge,thanks for the hard work and dedication. We are all glad that you were able to return to your family and friends the way you left.

[Spc Hernandez]

SGT Melendez It Was Gratifying Serving next to you for those 15 months. It was a learning experience that made me and others better soldiers, Thank you for guiding And helping us all, your words of encouragement made the difference You Are a great Example of Leadership; I will gladly serve next to you any day no questions. FTP Hooaa