2003 Recipients
Officers Hugo Gualotuna, Rene Lopez and Dennis Salb received the South Bay Medal of Valor award at the regional ceremony on 7 May 2003 for their heroic actions during 2002.

The Gardena Police Department has had nineteen (19) officers recognized for their Valor to the South Bay area. Those officers of the Gardena Police Department that have received the Medal of Valor Award include:

The City of Gardena "Medal of Valor and Distinguished Service" Monument was the vision of former City Councilmember Al Defilippo. Through his committee, funds were raised to build this monument, and on 16 Apil 1998, the monument was unveiled, which lists the names of the Police Officers and Firefighters that have received this recognition of service.

Each year, the South Bay Chambers of Commerce host an annual Medal of Valor & Distinguished Service Awards Ceremony. The Medal of Valor is awarded to Firefighters and Police Officers who distinguish themselves by conspicuous bravery, heroism, or other outstanding meritorious actions involving extreme personal risk. The Distinguished Service Award is awarded to Firefighters and Police Officers to recognize efforts that exemplify the finest standards of the police/fire departments, yet do not merit the Medal of Valor. The Gardena Police Department has had twenty (20) officers recognized for their Distinguished Service to the South Bay area. Those officers of the Gardena Police Department that have received the Distinguished Service Award include:

Commendations for 2004 will be published soon!