Police Commission accepts $1,000 donation for Mounted Unit and honors civilian who chased a robber

The San Francisco Police Commission voted to accept a $1,000 donation from Karen Fireman to support the San Francisco Police Department's Mounted Unit, and the commission presented a Civilian Commendation Award to Harold Soriano for his actions during a March 9 robbery.

Commission members approved the donation on the consent calendar after Sergeant Toda's memorandum was referenced in the meeting packet. A commissioner moved to accept the request, a second was recorded, and the chair called for a voice vote; commissioners responded "Aye."

Following the consent vote, Chief of Police Greg Surr introduced Mr. Soriano and described the March 9 incident: the suspect entered a small market on the 1400 block of Polk Street, sprayed a clerk in the eyes with a caustic mixture and stole cash. The store owner and Soriano chased the suspect, who sprayed others and then stabbed Soriano with scissors during the confrontation before officers took the suspect into custody. "As a result of Mister Soriano's efforts that night, we were able to capture and remove from the streets a vicious and desperate career criminal that is still in custody awaiting the disposition of 9 felony charges," the chief said.

Commissioners praised Soriano's actions and asked him to provide contact information for the department before he left. No public speakers opposed the donation or the commendation.

The commission's formal acceptance of the donation and the award presentation were concluded in open session; later in the meeting the body moved several disciplinary matters into closed session and later voted not to disclose the closed-session proceedings.