Medal given to Coalinga prison officer who shot Fresno gang member
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation honored 92 employees Wednesday during its annual Medal of Valor ceremony.
The Medal of Valor is given to employees who display exceptional bravery. One of the recipients this year was Correctional Sgt. Benny Diaz of Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga.
Last January while off duty, Diaz shot a gunman who was randomly shooting motorists. Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer hailed Diaz as a hero after he shot a Fresno gang member who killed two people.
Tomas Kassahun: 559-441-6659, @TomasKassahun
This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 9:47 AM with the headline "Medal given to Coalinga prison officer who shot Fresno gang member."