LOS ANGELES, April 20, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has awarded a Commander's Certificate of Commendation to Officer Eleanor Traylor of the Los Angeles Airport Police in recognition of exceptional performance when she aided a CHP officer needing assistance.
While awaiting back-up, a lone uniformed member of the CHP last Dec. 19, became involved in a struggle near the intersection of 96th Street and Normandie Avenue with a combative and physically imposing individual, armed with a metal pole and blocking traffic. While many people watched, the CHP officer wrestled with the 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound suspect. Officer Traylor was off-duty and leaving church services when she saw the struggle and ran to assist.
"I saw the officer needed help," said Traylor, who kicked off her Sunday shoes and helped take control of the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody and the CHP officer was uninjured.
"On behalf of the California Highway Patrol and its men and women of the West Los Angeles Area, I commend you for your dedication to protecting our community and a job well done," said CHP Captain Calvin Aubrey. "With distinction, you have ethically and professionally provided a high quality of safety, service and security to the people of California."
Traylor joined the City of Los Angeles 30 years ago as a clerk typist, transferring to Los Angeles World Airports in 1976. She became a Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) security officer in 1978, an LAX special officer in 1980, and an LAX police officer in 1981.
Los Angeles World Airports is a City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates a system of four airports in Southern California: LAX, Ontario International, Van Nuys and Palmdale Regional.