Golden Badge of Courage Award
Terrance Wenger
Sergeant, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department
On June 18, 1994, Deputy Terrence Wegner, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department assigned to the Carson Station, and Bruce Bryan, a Chaplain also assigned to the Carson station, who often rode with deputies during their night shifts, were answering a disturbance call near a bar.
While handling the disturbance call near the bar, Deputy Wegner decided that he would transport the suspect home. The suspect was known by the area deputies and since he had not committed a crime, it was felt that this was the most appropriate way to remove the suspect from any future involvement.
Deputy Wenger recalls making a u-turn near the suspect’s apartment building at “D” Street and Avalon Boulevard in Wilmington. That is the last thing he remembers that day.
Witnesses to the incident stated that Deputy Wenger let the suspect out of the police unit’s back seat and a verbal exchange took place. Wenger turned away from the suspect and the suspect struck him in the jaw, stunning and knocking Wegner to the ground. Wenger possibly hit his head on the curb and was rendered unconscious.
The suspect reached down, removed Deputy Wenger’s firearm from its holster and stood over him, firing several rounds at his head. By the grace of God only one round struck Deputy Wenger in the face. The round entered Deputy Wenger’s face near his nose, blowing out the right side of his face and his right eye.
Presuming Wenger was dead, the suspect then began firing at the police unit where Chaplain Bryan was still seated. Chaplain Bryan exited the car in an attempt to flee but the suspect chased him down, firing at him. Chaplain Bryan fell in the street and was executed, shot numerous times in the upper torso.
Deputy Wenger was transported to Harbor General Hospital in critical condition. He underwent three delicate surgeries to help his right eye and repair nerve damage. After a long recovery, Deputy Terrence Wenger was able to eventually return to work one year later
Deputy Terrence Wenger is one example of a law enforcement officer who, while performing in the scope of duties, suffered life threatening injuries yet recovered and returned to work. We are honored to award him the Golden Badge of Courage Award.
