Brent Talmo: An Unsung Hero! By David DeMulle’ “The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?” - Julia Roberts In P...
Brent Talmo:
An Unsung Hero!
By David DeMulle’
“The bad stuff is easier to believe. You ever notice that?”
-Julia Roberts In Pretty Woman-
History is littered with those who made great discoveries, performed great deeds or just changed the World, but what about those names that only appear in our everyday lives? Names that don’t jump out at you like Einstein or Pasteur?
Think about it. Did they break with convention? Did they offend the establishment? Were they quiet about their accomplishments?
Possibly all of those things. In this series, I’m going to start off with four people that I personally know and con- sider to have been movers and shakers in our community but who have mysteriously escaped becoming household names. I’m going to try and set the record straight and give them credit where credit is due. I really hope that you the reader, will contribute names and stories of your “unsung heroes.”
Those who make you feel good when you hear their names. Everyday people doing everyday things. Things that make life easier and safer for those around us.
I want you to think about the last time you really read a great uplifting story. I know that you have read stories about the dog that saved his master or how the bear wandering the neighborhood was safely returned to the wild. But the truth is that happy stories are far and few be- tween. And what about the story that was so terrible you had to re-read it, and when you wanted to be updated on the story, it had just simply disappeared? “Old News” they say.
Today, we are going to talk about Brent Talmo, a Neighbor.
When Brent Talmo retired from the Maywood Police Department in 2008 he never planned on seeing his service records on the Internet. He was just another person, a neighbor, a community member that did his job and went home every night. But like the “masked crusader” who retires to his secret identity and tries to forget the daily mayhem that surrounded him, our police officers have to go back to their homes, wives and families.
Their stories are never really covered. That is, not until the sensationalist media needs material for a dull edition. Then the truth gets bent. Actually distorted, all in the name of “creating” a news story. One of these victims was Brent Talmo, and I want to set the record straight.
Brent started his law enforcement career by joining the Los Angeles County Sheriff department in 1986 and then moved on to the Los Angeles Housing Authority Po- lice Department in 1990 and the Hawaiian Gardens Police department long known for its gang-infested areas and high crime rates. He stayed with them until Hawaiian Gardens P.D. closed in 1998. The Maywood Police Dept. was his next assignment and he was assigned as a training officer to the patrol division and later became a Senior Lead Officer in the Los Angeles Housing Authority drug elimination program.
Moving up through the ranks he became a field training officer, acting sergeant and team leader. He became a Sergeant and was assigned to the detectives division in April 2004. Not only was Talmo a dedicated officer but he went the extra mile in his skills and training as an emergency medical technician and drug recognitions expert. He took classes on problem-oriented policing of SWAT operations and a course in Handling People with Tact and Diplomacy and as a Peacemaker. Talmo was involved in, and given awards for working with the Traffic Collisions Board, the Special Response Teams, and for being a team leader.
Talmo was presented the Police Star Award and given the MEDAL OF VALOR twice. This is highest award given by the HAPD. This is a man who learned by his mistakes and became an example for all to follow.
But nobody would know what he did before he retired. Heroes don’t toot their own horn. That is why Brent Talmo is our “Unsung Hero!”
If you have an “Unsung Hero,” please send their story to us at this e-mail address: editor@thefoothillspaper.com.
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