Full Notification

Medal of Valor awarded posthumously to Special Reserve Officer Stephen Clark
 
San Mateo, CA – On August 9, 2024, the California Reserve Peace Officers Association awarded (posthumously) Special Reserve Officer Stephen Clark the Medal of Valor for his actions that resulted in his death on August 19, 1956.    
 
Special Reserve Officer Stephen Clark was on duty during a car race at the Bay Meadows Racetrack on the night of August 19, 1956.  During the race, two cars collided and crashed through the fence that surrounded the racetrack endangering the spectators of the event.  Special Reserve Officer Clark organized other officers and led them to the crash site to help anyone injured in the devastating collision.  As Clark crossed the racetrack to render medical aid to the drivers, Officer Clark was struck by another race car.  He was transported to Mills Memorial Hospital for medical treatment, however he did not survive. 
 
Special Reserve Officer Clark served as a Volunteer Reserve Officer with the San Mateo Police Department for nine years and worked for the City of San Mateo for a total of 15 years.  Officer Clark was described as an outstanding person, who devoted much of his time to the City of San Mateo and serving the community.         
 
On August 9, 2024, the California Reserve Peace Officers Association awarded Special Reserved Officer Clark the Medal of Valor for his bravery in the line of duty.  Chief Ed Barberini accepted the Medal of Valor on behalf of Stephen Clark.  Every year on August 19, the San Mateo Police Department holds a memorial service to remember the bravery Special Reserve Officer Clark displayed as he gave his life to protect the members of his community.