OFFICERS AWARDED FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE

Two acts of courage and undercover work on the local drug scene earned
three Pasadena officers the Distinguished Service award Tuesday.

Undercover narcotics officer I. Villareal, 34, stood on the sidelines
during the award ceremony while photographers snapped photos, and
television cameras focused on fellow officers. Villareal stood
modestly by as to keep his identity hidden.

The 14-year veteran of the Pasadena Police Department was recognized
for several drug cases he conducted while undercover, one of which
saved lives. Over an extended period of time, Villareal negotiated a
drug deal with eight men suspected of having ties with a Mexican drug
lord.

The FBI had been investigating the Mexican man believed to be at the
top of the drug ring but were unable to connect him to actual
transactions. Villareal negotiated the delivery of 4 grams of heroin
and 94 kilograms of cocaine. All eight men were indicted, and the FBI
got their connection.

Several of Villareal's transactions have caused police to seize over
180 kilograms of cocaine, 355 grams of methamphetamine, 250 pounds of
marijuana, over $12 million in confiscated monies and narcotics and to
arrest 25 suspected drug handlers.

"These are just a few of the situations I know he's been involved
with," Police Chief Paul Cobb said. "The job he's doing in narcotics
is unsurpassed."

In July, Villareal was tipped off to a group of Louisiana marijuana
buyers visiting Pasadena to purchase 50 pounds of marijuana.

After following the suspected men, a decision was made to have a
patrol unit stop their car and have police identify them.

"Officer Villareal watched as the suspects were contacted by the
patrol officer," Cobb said. "He observed what appeared to be
suspicious behavior when the officer walked back to his patrol car."

When Villareal identified himself to the men, the driver reached
inside the console for a handgun. Villareal said he feared for his
life and that of the patrol officer who couldn't see the danger and
decided to shoot one fatal shot at the driver.

"Officer Villareal's quick thinking not only saved his own life, but
that of a fellow officer," Cobb said. "The effort he puts into his job
and the risks he takes is certainly commendable."