San José Police Department
William Poelle Lifesaving Award

On June 27, 1994, the SJPD received a report of a person threatening to jump from a freeway overpass. Officer Constant was the first officer to arrive, joined immediately by Officer Jungling. The man began to push himself away from the overpass when Officer Constant and Officer Jungling lunged towards the man and held onto him to prevent him from jumping. Several other officers responded and struggled with the man for a half-hour to keep him from falling to his death. While Officers Constant and Jungling maintained their hold on the man, other officers climbed onto their shoulders to move the man to a fire department ladder truck.

For their quick action and team work that led to the preservation of the man’s life, Officer Constant and eight other officers were awarded the William Poelle Lifesaving Award by Mayor Susan Hammer and Chief Louis Cobarruviaz.

Click here to see San Jose Mercury News article (6/28/1994)
Click here to see San Francisco Chronicle article (6/28/1994)

American Police Hall of Fame
Legion of Honor Award

On September 2, 1997, Officer Constant was working in a plain clothes (undercover) capacity during a drug buy-bust in the area of the Guadalupe Creek, in downtown San José. While making an arrest, Officer Constant became involved in a struggle with the suspect. Officer Constant and the suspect fell backwards down the creek embankment approximately 12 feet. This fall caused serious injuries to Officer Constant’s back, shoulder, knee, and right retina. Officer Constant’s injuries required multiple surgeries and several years of recovery. As a result of these injuries, Officer Constant was granted a retirement from the SJPD.

In recognition of the grievous injuries sustained in the performance of his duties as a law enforcement officer, Officer Constant was awarded the Legion of Honor Award by the American Police Hall of Fame.