Unsung Hero Award
Terry Meyer
Detective, Riverside Police Department
In 2004, Detective Terry Meyer of the Riverside Police Department was assigned to the Inland Regional Apprehension Team. His duties as a member of this team were to locate and arrest fugitives who had committed violent crimes in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Detective Meyer was working a Riverside attempted murder case centered on a shooting that occurred at a local bar and grill on University Avenue. This incident occurred on October 24, 2004. A suspect in the attempted murder, Mr. Mendoza shot another male in the leg with a .357 magnum.
Detective Meyer and his team located Mr. Mendoza at a residence in the community of Mira Loma. The team went to the location in an attempt to arrest Mr. Mendoza on December 20, 2004. As the team made contact with Mr. Mendoza, he fled on foot and shots were exchanged between Mr. Mendoza and the team. They temporarily lost sight of him. Detective Meyer and his partner located Mr. Mendoza, who was still armed with a handgun and now pointing it again in his and other team member’s direction. With no regard for his own safety, Detective Meyer engaged Mr. Mendoza and shot him, bringing the gun battle to an end.
Detective Meyer exhibited courage under fire. His willingness to put his life on the line in order to put an end to Mr. Mendoza’s rampage may have very well avoided serious injury or death to his fellow team members and the public.
Some of the team members from other agencies involved in this incident have been recognized for their bravery exhibited during the capture of Mr. Mendoza. Detective Meyer, however, has not been recognized for his part in Mr. Mendoza’s capture.
The Golden Badge Foundation would like to recognize Detective Meyer for his courage under fire by awarding him with this year’s Unsung Hero Award.
