Sergeant Jose Alvarez received La Mirada’s Community Spotlight Award on May 8 in recognition of his heroic action on Biola’s campus in December. The International Association of Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) also recognized Alvarez on June 28 with the 2018 Award for Valor.

On December 13, 2017, Alvarez was patrolling the fifth level of Biola’s parking structure when he noticed a woman (non-student) sitting on the wall and immediately made contact with her.

According to Chief of Campus Safety John Ojeisekhoba, the woman intended to end her life by jumping off of the structure. Alvarez quickly left his patrol vehicle and grabbed the woman off of the wall, saving her from jumping. In the process of taking her down from the wall, Alvarez experienced injuries for which he received medical treatment.

Alvarez’s ability to act quickly has saved lives on more than one occasion. In 2016, his quick efforts, alongside two fellow officers, saved the life of a student who experienced a heart attack.

“Sergeant Alvarez continues to be a valued and honored employee of the university,” said Ojeisekhoba. “We are thankful for his continued service to the Biola community.”

The City of La Mirada honored Alvarez on May 8 with the Community Spotlight Award during a city council meeting in the presence of his family and fellow officers. The award is given to “exceptional individuals who, through their actions, bring credit to themselves and the City of La Mirada.”

Alvarez received the IACLEA’s Award for Valor, which is given to campus safety officials for an “act or acts involving personal risk while acting on behalf of the university or members of the university,” in Orlando, Florida.

Written by Madisyn Steiner, media relations intern. For more information, please contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu.