LAPD honors its own

IIt was the happiest day of his life for one Los Angeles police officer, while for another, it brought back memories of the day that a barricaded gunman shot and killed one of their own. C.J.. Lin in the Daily News.

On Thursday, 17 police officers were awarded the department's highest honor, given for bravery and for going above and beyond the call of duty, at the 49th annual Medal of Valor Ceremony in Hollywood.

"I'm really lucky - I get to work with with heroes every day," said Chief Charlie Beck, citing the department's 9,963 sworn officers and 234 reserve officers. "There's a social contract that we make-us police officers, firefighters, soldiers-and that social contract goes like this: If you would be willing to risk your life for me, then I will honor you and I will also stand by you."