February 14, 2017
Deputy Jenna Underwood-Nunez :
LASD Deputy Jenna Underwood-Nunez Runs in Full Class-A Uniform
to Remember Those Lost and Cherished Ten-year Los Angeles
County Sheriff's Department veteran, Deputy Jenna Underwood-Nunez,
doesn't just talk about honoring fellow first responders lost in the
line-of-duty, she showed it in the best way she knew how: Running a
half-marathon race in the uniform she dons daily to make a physical
declaration of esteem and appreciation for them. It's not easy or
convenient to run 13 miles wearing a near-30 pounds of cumbersome
tactical gear, but Jenna did it affectionately and willingly, out of a
deeply-seated sense of respect for the sacrifices made by the men
and women in law enforcement who gave up absolutely everything
while wearing their uniforms. The inaugural Run To Remember Los
Angeles race race kicked off in 2016, initiated by fellow Angeleno
law enforcement brothers from the Los Angeles Police Department,
to honor other first responders killed in the line of duty.
The half-marathon and 10 K run is a sister race of Run to Remember
Boston, which was founded in 2014 and occurs annually on Memorial
Day weekend.
The Los Angeles-based event, which included several local police and
fire departments, went off without a hitch on Sunday, February 12, 2017.
Everyone runs for a reason and, for her journey, Jenna paid special
tribute to two recently-lost, LASD brothers, Sergeant Steve Owen and
Sergeant Al Lopez, and showed her support for one in medical crisis,
Sergeant Jorge Chavez. Sergeant Owen was a beloved friend,
experienced supervisor and endeared team leader to many. He was
assigned to Lancaster Sheriff's Station and was killed by a suspect
fleeing the scene of a burglary. The suspect, a parolee with an
extensive criminal history, in possession of a stolen gun, unleashed a
dynamic procession of barbaric acts against deputies and civilians on
Wednesday, October 5, 2016. Sergeant Owen, who arrived first at the
scene, was initially shot once by the suspect; the suspect stood over
the good sergeant's body and mercilessly delivered four more rounds
to ensure his demise.
Sergeant Al Lopez dedicated 15 years of his career as a skilled and
tenacious detective assigned to Special Victim's Bureau. He was
tasked with investigating some of the most difficult and abominable
cases of physical and sexual abuse to children, and took pride in his
ability to advocate for the justice of little ones too young to speak for
themselves. He was unshakable and relentless in the defense of those
who were defenseless. Upon promoting, Sergeant Lopez was
assigned to Compton Sheriff's Station. It was on Monday,
October 24, 2016, when Sergeant Lopez suffered a medical emergency
while driving a patrol car, headed out to assist his charge of deputies
at a service call.
Sergeant Chavez was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid
Leukemia, a form of blood cancer which usually begins
in the bone marrow, and can quickly spread throughout the body, if left
untreated. Sergeant Chavez is receiving a second course of
chemotherapy; when the treatment is finished, his body will need to
replace marrow destroyed during the process. Prior to conclusion of
the treatment, an urgent search for a matching bone marrow donor is
being conducted on his behalf. When asked about her decision to
run in uniform, Jenna said she did it to raise the curiosity of others at
the event; in turn, it allowed her to share the names of Sergeant Owen,
Sergeant Lopez and Sergeant Chavez. Jenna hoped it would motivate
people to consider bone marrow donation for the good of Sergeant
Chavez and the benefit of many others.
The fact that Jenna ran to bring recognition to three great examples
of uniform leadership and humanity is ironic, especially when we
remember that Jenna is also a recognized hero. It was in 2013,
while five months pregnant, Jenna jumped into a lake, swam 100
yards to rescue a drowning teen and resuscitated him. For her
actions and exceptional courage, she was presented that same year
with the highest honor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
bestows, the Medal of Valor. She was also presented the national
Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor by Vice-President Joe Biden
during a 2015 ceremony with Attorney General Eric Holder in
Washington, DC; talk about heroes! Jenna is humble about her
accolades and takes example from many great leaders on our
Department. Assigned to mentor inmates through the Education
Based Incarceration program at Twin Towers Corrections Facility,
a member of the LASD Women's Running Team, charity volunteer,
and a mom, it is easy to see Jenna strives daily in her personal
and professional life to better the courses of those around her
and be an extraordinary example, just like those for whom she paid
homage today. Thank you Jenna for running and remembering our
friends and partners, Sergeant Steve Owen, Sergeant Al Lopez and
Sergeant Jorge Chavez.
Contact Information: Education Based Incarceration - (323) 526-5380, ebi@lasd.org
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Run to Remember
Strength is in their memories
Honor the Fallen
Never Forgotten
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