Modesto, CA - On Thursday April 12, 2012 Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert “Bob” Paris and Deputy Mike Glinskas were teamed up to serve civil process evictions. Both deputies were assigned to the Sheriff’s Civil Division.
Shortly before 11:00 AM, while serving an eviction at 2141 Chrysler Drive #1 in the City of Modesto, Deputy Paris and locksmith Glendon Engert were brutally murdered by Jim Ferrario, the resident in apartment #1 who was being evicted.
Deputies made the required “knock and notice” announcing their presence and intent, but did not get any response from within the apartment. There was never any indication that Ferrario was inside and deputies had no reason to believe they were in any danger.
Suddenly and without warning, Ferrario opened fire with a high power assault rifle from behind a closed security screen door. Deputy Paris and Glendon Engert were the intended targets in an ambush style assault that occurred without provocation.
Under fire, and having just witnessed his partner and a civilian murdered, Deputy Glinskas immediately returned fire, in an effort to stop the threat and protect others, while moving to cover. At the same time, he was able to radio broadcast “11-99, shots fired, officer down”. Glinskas, from a position of relative cover, was pinned down and could not safely evacuate. Instead, he courageously and bravely chose to stay and was fully prepared to re-engage the threat.
Deputy Glinskas was unable to rescue Deputy Paris or Glendon Engert. Instead, he continued to radio broadcast vital and critical information to responding law enforcement personnel. That decision undoubtedly, saved lives. Information about the location of the suspect, the use of a high power weapon, details of his surroundings, all together assisted in the emergency response which allowed fellow law enforcement officers to rescue Deputy Paris and Glendon Engert. Sadly and tragically, both were killed by a coward.
Every day, law enforcement officers risk their lives to protect America’s citizens and communities. They courageously stand between good and evil. The Medal of Valor is awarded to law enforcement personnel who have exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, in the attempt to save or protect human life. Even though Deputy Glinskas was unable to save his partner and Glendon Engert, his heroic efforts saved others and we honor his courage under fire.
Deputy Glinskas acted courageously, bravely and selflessly as he remained in harm’s way to protect others. He acted heroically, going above and beyond the call of duty under extraordinary circumstances, while under fire and for that, we recognize and honor him with the Medal of Valor.
Please join me, the Chief Executive Office and Board of Supervisors on Tuesday August 7, 2012 9:00 AM in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 1010 10th Street to commend, recognize and honor Deputy Michael Glinskas for his courage under fire and his valiant life-saving efforts on April 12.
Deputy Glinskas will be awarded the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Medal of Valor by Sheriff Adam Christianson.
On-duty uniform/non-uniform personnel who wish to attend must get approval from your immediate supervisor. For off duty personnel, this is not an over-time event.
All law enforcement/public safety personnel from throughout Stanislaus County are invited to attend.
We also welcome members of the public and the media to join us!
Thank you,
Sheriff Adam Christianson
