The Sacramento Police Department is proud to recognize and honor two Sacramento residents for their exemplary commitment to their community and to public safety.

On Wednesday, March 10, 2010, Police Chief Rick Braziel will present Ralph Martinez and Steven Ueltzen with a certificate of appreciation for their brave actions.   The presentation will take place at 12:00 noon, at police headquarters (5770 Freeport Blvd).

Steven Ueltzen's actions are briefly described below:

On the evening of September 10, 2009, Mr. Steven Ueltzen was inside his home when he heard a woman screaming outside.  He went outside and found the woman who told him that she had just been robbed of her purse.  She gave Mr. Ueltzen a description of the suspects and he went in search of them.  Mr. Ueltzen found the suspects and chased them for many blocks, at one point confronting one of the suspects, before they escaped into an apartment complex. 

Acting on the information that Mr. Ueltzen gave, responding officers located the suspects and took them into custody after positive identification by both Mr. Ueltzen and the victim of the crime.

Ralph Martinez's actions are briefly described below:

On the afternoon of September 15, 2009, Mr. Ralph Martinez was outside of his workplace on a break when he observed one of our officers make contact with a subject.  As the officer was about to arrest the subject, he placed him in a control hold and placed one handcuff on the subject's wrist.  As the officer was attempting to place the second cuff on, the subject became uncooperative and resistive.  The subject attempted to flee.  He turned around and struck the officer in the face, knocking him to the ground.  The officer began wrestling with the subject who, at one point, was able to get on top of the officer. 

Seeing the fight ensue between the officer and the subject, Mr. Martinez quickly ran to the officer to assist him.  Mr. Martinez put the subject in a head lock in an attempt to get him off of the officer.  Our officer, Mr. Martinez, and the subject all ended up rolling on the ground as the officer tried to regain control.  Mr. Martinez remained in this fight to help our officer until other cover officers arrived. 

"Without regard for their own personal safety, Mr. Ueltzen and Mr. Martinez willingly intervened in what could have potentially been a volatile situation.  The Sacramento Police Department is proud and honored to have citizens like them in our community," said Chief Braziel.