SAN DIEGO, July 12, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Marine Major Erik McInnis was honored yesterday by Helzberg Diamonds for apprehending a man who stole a $28,000 diamond engagement ring from its Annapolis, Md., mall store in May. On July 11, at its Parkway Plaza mall store in San Diego, Helzberg Diamonds publicly thanked Maj. McInnis and presented donations to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in honor of the Major's efforts.
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Photo credit: Lance Cpl George J. Papastrat, MCAS Miramar Combat Correspondent Caption: Major McInnis's Tribute Event Attendees: (from left to right) Marine Major Erik McInnis; Eric A. Torykian, Vice President Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation; Ann Evans, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society; Teresa Rios, Regional Loss Prevention Manager - Helzberg Diamonds; Holly Dowda, Regional Director - Helzberg Diamonds
The event took place in San Diego where Maj. McInnis is new to his post as Air Traffic Control Facility Officer (ATCFO) at Miramar. He formerly resided in Annapolis and worked as a U.S. Naval Academy math instructor.
On May 13, McInnis and his family were visiting the Annapolis mall. He saw a man run out of the Helzberg Diamonds store followed by an employee's cry for help. McInnis pursued and tackled the man, holding him until law enforcement took over. "That is the kind of stuff I've trained for every day," he said. "Our rules of engagement are to always protect others."
"We are very grateful to Maj. McInnis. His actions were nothing short of exemplary and in the finest tradition of the United States Marine Corp," said Marvin Beasley, chairman and chief executive officer for Helzberg Diamonds.
"We are humbled as we recognize the commitment, courage and intelligence that Maj. McInnis and his fellow servicemen and women exhibit daily. We've seen it firsthand," said Beasley.
In addition to $1,000 donations to each charity, they also received baskets of Helzberg Diamonds limited-edition Sparky stuffed dogs to give to the families and children they serve.
About the charities:
The Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation supports the spiritual, moral, intellectual and physical development of children through education. The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides financial, educational and other assistance to service members, family members and survivors when in need.
About Helzberg Diamonds:
Helzberg Diamonds is a retail jewelry company that has over 260 stores across the United States selling fine jewelry, including a wide selection of diamonds, precious gems and watches. Helzberg Diamonds takes pride in its 90-plus-year heritage of offering exceptional value, personal customer service and the exclusive designs and timeless jewelry such as the Helzberg Diamonds Masterpiece(tm). Helzberg Diamonds is based in North Kansas City, Mo., and is part of the Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (NYSE:BRK/B) family of companies. For the locations of Helzberg Diamonds stores nearest you, call toll-free (800) 562-2835 or visit www.helzberg.com.
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