Colton Officers Receive Lifesaving Medal by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 01 02 03 04
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
View Events
Submit Events

Colton Officers Receive Lifesaving Medal

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
September 25, 2013 at 03:44pm. Views: 120

Earlier this month, four police officers were recognized by the Colton City Council and by Colton Police Chief Steve Ward with the Lifesaving Medal during a regular City Council Meeting. The recipients, Sergeant Steve Davis, Corporal Gary Gruenzner, Officer Greg Castillo and Officer Mike Collins, all received the award to honor their actions as a result of the actions that wounded corrections officer Tom Dennie, who works at the California Institute for Men in Chino, on May 2 of this year. Officer Dennie with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) on May 2 was on his way to work at Chino Institute for Men when he stopped at the Iowa Shell in Colton to put gas in his vehicle. Two gang members confronted Officer Dennie and attempted to rob him. When Dennie attempted to escape, he was shot by one of the suspects, and the suspects then fled the area in their vehicle. Officer Greg Castillo, Sergeant Steve Davis and Officer Mike Collins were the first three to arrive on scene after hearing the shooting call broadcast over the radio. The responding officers saw the severity of Dennie’s wound and devised a plan to quickly transport him to the nearest hospital themselves. Officers Castillo and Collins hoisted Officer Dennie into the backseat of Sgt. Davis’s police unit; with Officer Collins in the backseat to watch over Officer Dennie, Sgt. Davis transported him to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC), with Officer Castillo providing an escort. Corporal Gary Gruenzner was assigned to work at ARMC and alerted the emergency room staff of the incoming wounded law enforcement officer. A full team of medical staff was assembled and waiting outside the hospital when Officer Dennie arrived. “The quick response and immediate actions on the part of the officers and medical staff are credited with saving Tom Dennie’s life,” said Police Chief Steve Ward in a written statement. The suspects responsible for the crime were apprehended within minutes of the shooting by officers with the Riverside Police Department. They are incarcerated and awaiting trial on attempted murder charges, according to a written statement issued by Chief Ward.

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 421

California ballot drop box symbolize the upcoming municipal election and opportunities for residents to participate in local government. The election provides an opportunity for community members to help guide decisions affecting neighborhood improvements, economic development, and city services for years to come.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Anaheim Storm Drain & Sewer Maintenance

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 392

Storm drain infrastructure helps manage rainwater and reduce flooding in residential neighborhoods. Recent planning efforts have focused on identifying long-term improvements that can better manage stormwater, reduce localized flooding, and support future development throughout the city.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 07:59am. Views: 396

Mom and daughter help cleanup their community. Residents regularly work alongside city staff, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to support programs that improve parks, beautify public spaces, and bring neighbors together.

Photo Courtesy of: AI Generated Image Greated by ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 436

The iconic California Theatre glows in downtown San Bernardino as visitors arrive for an evening performance, highlighting the historic venue's continuing role as a centerpiece for arts, culture, and community events.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 421

Volunteers of all ages work together in a San Bernardino community garden, planting fresh vegetables and flowers while promoting healthy living, environmental stewardship, and stronger neighborhood connections.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 494

A classic Route 66 scene celebrates San Bernardino's place along the historic highway, where vintage Americana, local businesses, and community pride continue to welcome travelers from around the world.

Photo Courtesy of: TME Photography by Titan Mom Elvira

By Titan Mom Elvira, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 502

Welcome to the celebration! Parade volunteers proudly welcomed the community to Moreno Valley's 4th of July Parade celebrating 250 Years of Freedom.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 471

City crews and firefighters inspect vegetation management efforts designed to reduce wildfire risks around neighborhoods.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By William Cortez, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 536

Children and parents enjoy trampoline attractions, climbing areas, and interactive games inside a modern indoor family entertainment center.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

July 8, 2026 at 08:00am. Views: 201

A family prepares emergency supplies and evacuation essentials as part of a wildfire readiness plan. Inland Empire wildfire, CAL FIRE, Riverside County Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, emergency preparedness, wildfire prevention, Inland Empire news, California fire season

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI generated Image ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 762

A California Highway Patrol officer monitors traffic as drivers travel along a busy Inland Empire freeway.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.instagram.com/reel

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 1243

A member of the Jessie Combs Foundation team performs maintenance under the hood of a vintage Chevrolet Blazer during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, showcasing the mechanical skill and teamwork required to keep historic vehicles running throughout the cross-country rally.

--> -->