Officers Honored For "Heroic" Actions In Saving Federal Agent's Life

Newark Police Officer Randy Ramos’ uniform will soon be adorned with a blue-and-white ribbon. To most, it could look ordinary, but it’s an indication of something extraordinary.

The ribbon will be a symbol of the highest reward any Newark police officer can receive: a Distinguished Service Medal.

Ramos was commended along with Sgt. John Kovach and Officer Karl Geser Thursday night for their response to of a federal agent in Newark in early February.

Police Chief James Leal said Ramos, who was a Navy Hospital Corpsman with the U.S. Marine Corps, was the initial responder who began medical treatment of U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Robert Smith on Feb. 7.

Leal added that Ramos even treated Smith while he was transported to Eden Medical Center and stayed alongside him at the hospital while he underwent surgery.

"When member of department does heroic act, [that person] is nominated for three honors" with the highest being a Distinguished Service Medal," Leal said.

“I believe Officer Ramos’ actions truly deserve to be recognized in this fashion,” Leal said.

Ramos, who joined the in January 2009, said he felt humbled by the honor.

“I’m thankful for the award, and thankful for everyone else involved,” Ramos said after the ceremony. “I want to emphasize that it was a team effort. Everybody worked as a team.”

Kovach and Geser both received gold awards as a result of their actions that same morning

Kovach was first to arrive to the federal agent's home on Mayhews Landing Road near Bettencourt Street.

There, Kovach found Smith lying on a fence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds on his chest and having difficulty breathing, so he moved Smith to clear his airway, Leal said.

Geser assisted in medical treatment by applying pressure in order to reduce blood loss, the police chief added.

The trio’s actions were praised with a standing ovation from a room full of law enforcement, city leaders, family, friends – and the victim himself.

Smith, who was critically injured in that Feb. 7 incident, greeted the Newark officers with an embrace.

He spoke briefly, giving his “heartfelt thanks” to local and federal law enforcement officers, fire personnel and the medical staff at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.

“I stand here before you, only by the grace of God and extraordinary efforts of Newark Police Officer Randy Ramos, Sgt. John Kovach and Officer Karl Geser,” Smith said.

He added, “On behalf of my wife and daughter, we are humbled by outpour of support. …We owe you a debt of gratitude. … Thank you for all you’ve done for us in our most difficult time in our lives.”

Authorities arrested an Oakland man in connection to the Feb. 7 shooting. Dennis Bagwell, 61, to charges of attempted murder and assault with a firearm on March 9. He is scheduled to return to the Fremont Hall of Justice at 9 a.m. on April 20 for a pretrial hearing.