3 LAPD Officers Honored for Saving Pilot who Crashed on Train Track
Putting themselves at risk, they worked to free the pilot, who suffered severe injuries, from the wreck just before the Metro Link train demolished what was left of the plane.
The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum (NLEMM) has honored Officer Christopher Aboyte, Officer Damian Castro and Officer Robert Sherock of the Los Angeles Police Department as Officers of the Month for January 2022. The three officers rescued a trapped pilot who had crash-landed his plane on railroad tracks in the Pacoima neighborhood.
On January 9, 2022, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the three Los Angeles Police Officers responded to the crash after the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing, roughly a block from the LAPD Foothill police station. They quickly observed the train traveling at a high rate of speed, in the direction of the downed aircraft. Putting themselves at risk, they worked to free the pilot, who suffered severe injuries, from the wreck just before the train demolished what was left of the plane.
Ad Loading...
“We would like to congratulate Officers Aboyte, Castro and Sherock for their heroism and timely instincts to save the life of the pilot injured in the crash,” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Their decisiveness in the face of danger serves as an inspiration for all and we are deeply honored to present them with this award.”
Police Officer II Christopher Aboyte
Police Officer II Christopher Aboyte, is a seven-year veteran of the LAPD and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Aboyte joined the force in 2015. He has received 23 commendations.
Police Officer II Damian Castro
Police Officer II Damian Castro, is a four-year veteran of the LAPD and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Castro joined the force in 2015. He has received 11 commendations.
Police Officer II Robert Sherock
Police Officer II Robert Sherock, is a 10-year veteran of the LAPD and is currently assigned to Foothill Patrol Division. Officer Sherock joined the force in 2011. He has received 59 commendations and a lifesaving medal from the department.
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty, NLEMM says.
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.
Tasmanian Tiger has launched the TT SGL Mag Pouch Clamp M4, an open magazine pouch engineered for M4/AR-15 platforms that integrates a plastic clamping device for secure retention and fast magazine deployment.
Whether it’s time to buy a personal patrol light or make the decision for the next department-issued patrol light, what do you need to know? How do you weigh the different variables and make the best choice?
Warriors Heart works closely with federal and community partners to expand treatment options for veterans and first responders. By combining specialized clinical care with a peer-driven recovery environment, the program helps warriors rebuild strength, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose.
Boots fit differently for men and women, so how are law enforcement boots for women designed differently from those worn by men? In this video, Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, shares all the details.
A collaboration between Motorola Solutions and T-Mobile helps deliver uninterrupted situational awareness and access to AI wherever the mission leads, enabled by satellite connectivity for Motorola Solutions' APX NEXT smart radios.
Registration is now open for the 2026 Vision FirstNet Users Summit. The Summit is an opportunity to connect with local and federal leaders, specifically the FirstNet Authority, which is hosting a track at the event this year.
