Colton police officers awarded for saving CIM officer’s life

The Sun — Tom Dennie stood by his wife and smiled as four officers bearing medals approached and hugged him in City Council chambers Tuesday night.

His reaction was understandable. The officers are credited with helping save Dennie’s life.

“We didn’t know going into it that he was going to be there, but he showed up and it was really special,” said Colton police Detective Ray Mendez.

Dennie, a California Institution for Men officer who was shot in the head during an attempted robbery at a Colton gas station in May, continues to receive rehabilitation and was using a metal cane at the meeting. But Colton police Sgt. Steve Davis, one of the four officers who rescued him, said he is getting better.

Davis said Dennie recognized him when he went to a Costco store about two weeks ago. Dennie was in a wheelchair at the time.

“I know he’s improved drastically since the incident,” Davis said.

Davis, along with Officers Greg Castillo and Mike Collins, and Cpl. Gary Gruenzner received the Police Department’s Lifesaving Medal at the City Council meeting.

Castillo, Collins and Davis were the first to arrive at the Shell gas station in the 2700 block of Iowa Avenue on May 2 after Dennie was shot by two suspected gang members. continue reading...