February 6, 2023 - Governor Gavin Newsom has recognized California Highway Patrol officers Ryan Ayers and Kenneth Weckman for their actions that went above and beyond the call of duty by awarding them with the Governor’s Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor – the highest state award for valor presented to a public safety officer.
“The heroes we are honoring today are men who showed extraordinary compassion, bravery, and sacrifice,” said Governor Newsom. “Officers Ayers and Weckam are examples of the California spirit, our dedication to each other, and to doing the right thing. I am proud to recognize their heroic efforts and work.”
On August 6, 2021, Officer Ryan Ayers was off duty driving on US 101 in San Luis Obispo, California, when he observed a crash involving a semi-truck which ran off the road. Officer Ayers climbed down the hillside to access the cab of the truck and found the driver unconscious. As the vehicle began to fill with smoke, Officer Ayers, without regard for his own safety, cleared debris to access the driver. Officer Ayers was able to safely remove the driver seconds prior to the vehicle becoming fully engulfed in flames.
On December 6, 2021, Officer Kenneth Weckman was dispatched to a vehicle blocking the roadway in Marysville, California. As Officer Weckman investigated the abandoned vehicle, he found a woman in crisis in a canal, attempting to smother a small child in the dirt and water. Officer Weckman immediately attempted to rescue the child from the woman, as she violently resisted. After a struggle, Officer Weckman was able to save the child from the muddy waters. With the assistance of other officers who arrived on scene, the woman was safely taken into custody.
“Officer Ayers’ and Officer Weckman’s heroic actions undoubtedly saved the lives of these individuals” said Acting Commissioner Sean Duryee. “Their bravery, character, professionalism, and willingness to serve with such extraordinary valor exemplify their commitment to the communities they serve.”
Source" Office of the Governor
Per CHP Yuba-Sutter:
Our own CHP Yuba-Sutter Officer Kenny Weckman, ID 18986, was awarded the California Medal of Valor (gold) today by Governor Gavin Newsom. This is the highest award in the State of California and is only awarded to those who perform an extraordinary act of heroism extending far above the normal call of duty who risk their life to save another human life.
On December 6, 2021, at around 7pm, Officer Weckman received a call from CHP Chico dispatch of a van blocking the road on Woodruff Lane near Jack Slough Road. Upon his arrival, he was contacted by a witness who pointed in the direction of a water filled canal, saying there was a woman over there. Officer Weckman investigated and located Taylor D. Green, 32 from Dobbins, CA, who was smothering a 5-year-old boy in the muddy Bank. Officer Weckman told her to stop, at which time she pulled the boy underwater with herself in the water filled canal in an attempt to drown him. Without hesitation, Officer Weckman jumped into the six feet of water. He was able to find the boy underwater and pryed him from Green's grasp. Officer Weckman pulled the boy, who seemed lifeless above water, and held him in one arm as Green began to attack Officer Weckman and tried to pull him and the boy back under the water. With one hand occupied holding the boy, Officer Weckman fought back, punching Green repeatedly in the face with seeming little effect. The physical fight lasted over four minutes until two responding Yuba County Sheriff Deputies arrived. The entire time keeping the boy above water. During the fight, the boy regained consciousness. The boy was transported to Adventist Health Rideout. The boy was treated and released to his father.
It is no doubt that Officer Weckman's immediate action, without backup, without regard to his safety, prevented the death of the boy. The entire CHP Yuba-Sutter staff is proud to work alongside this real-life hero.
Green plead no-contest to misdemeanor DUI -drugs, attempted murder, child abuse, resisting an executive officer, and resiting arrest. She was sentenced to state prison.
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