Police Chief Stan Stewart addressed the nearly 250 Department members, volunteers and family members at the State of the Department and Awards Ceremony. During the 35 minute speech, the Chief talked of the importance of leadership development and succession planning, the challenge to continue to connect with the community and increased proactive enforcement to significant crimes problems to continue to provide a safe environment for community and business members. A new Department challenge coin was also given to all employees that contained the Departments Core Values and Mission Statement.
In the second half of the meeting, nineteen individuals were recognized for their outstanding and exemplary performance, many receiving medals of service.
"This is a great day for the Chino Police Department," said Police Chief Stan Stewart after the event last Thursday. "I am proud of each and every member of the Department for their commitment to and development in leadership principles and it is also an honor to recognize those who go above and beyond their duties and distinguish themselves amongst their peers. I am truly honored to lead such a fine organization."
The awardees recognized are:
Officer Jesse Gutierrez received the Officer of the Year Award for his meritorious service to the Department. As a member of the traffic bureau, he has worked to improve the traffic conditions of the community through education, enforcement and a critical analysis of engineering. In addition to his work in the traffic bureau, Officer Gutierrez has been instrumental in the application, receipt and administration of traffic related grant funding. To date, he has received three grants and helped author others which resulted in two additional grant awards, all of which have been used for various means of traffic enforcement. Serving in a variety of leadership roles, Officer Gutierrez is a field training officer, a member of both the recruitment team and the crisis negotiation team and is described by others as possessing uncompromised integrity and as a role model to emulate.
Crime Analyst Christine Charley received the Employee of the Year Award for her on-going role in crime analysis and combating graffiti. Throughout last year, Ms Charlie worked closely with local law enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation where she used her analytical skills and knowledge to organize volumes of data from the investigation and categorize it into a usable and concise product. Her knowledge and ability to work efficiently, diligently and her consistent high quality work product has been vital in the investigation. In addition to her duties, Ms Charlie continues to be involved with the Every 15 Minutes Program, various departmental presentations and both the Citizen's and Youth Academies.
Crime Analyst Jodi Summers received the Chief's Award of Distinction for her dedication to the Department and the community. A creative and motivating force within the Department, Ms Summers is always looking for ways to improve upon her work product. Her numerous responsibilities include providing officers with current and vital information on crime trends and statistics, officer safety information and the provision of resources to assist Officers in the field. She has taken on new responsibilities and takes pride in her work and has created a lasting impression on the morale of the Department.
Officer Steve Acosta received the Bravery Award for his involvement in the arrest of a gang member following a shoot out with police officers. While working in cooperation with several other agencies, Officer Acosta was involved in a high risk traffic stop with the suspect. The suspect fired at officers and several shots were exchanged before the suspect was arrested.
Four Officers and a Crime Analyst received Excellence Awards: Officer Bemowski, Officer Hardaker, Officer Franks, Officer Cervantes and Crime Analyst Charley.
§ Officers Jason Bemowski and James Hardaker received the Excellence Award as a result of their success while assigned to the San Bernardino West End Narcotics Enforcement Team in 2008. Together, they acted as the case agents for over 65 narcotics related investigations and made numerous arrests.
§ Officer Robert Franks dedication to the success of the K-9 program earned him the reputation throughout the county as the handler of the top narcotic detection dog. Putting in long hours with his canine partner "Rico" outside of the required weekly training sessions contributed to the overall success of the program and resulted in numerous commendation letters for the pair.
§ Officer John Cervantes is assigned as the School Resource Officer at Chino High School and has worked closely with the school district to create a Comprehensive School Emergency Plan.
§ Crime Analyst Christine Charley received the Excellence Award for her on-going work with the West End Law Enforcement Graffiti Task Force. Her efforts to detour taggers resulted in the City purchasing the Graffiti Tracker system which has helped to identify numerous taggers resulting in their arrest.
The Life Saving Award was presented to Clerical Aide Sheila Jones for her quick actions in assisting a downed bicyclist in Pismo Beach who was suffering from a medical emergency. Ms Jones and another citizen began giving the cyclist CPR when a doctor stopped to help. When Pismo Beach officers arrived on scene, Ms Jones who is a certified AED instructor assisted the doctor using the officers' AED equipment. Ms Jones' actions helped save the cyclist's life.
Four Officers received the Chief's Commendation Award: Officer Herb McKee, Officer James Hardaker, Officer Katie Kreps and Detective Ron Vallejo.
§ Officer McKee received the Chief's Commendation Award for his work at Buena Vista High School over the past two years. Working directly with the principal, the two initiated a program to keep high-risk youths in school. Both truancies and unexcused absences are down and Buena Vista High School has seen an improvement in daily attendance which is at 94% for this school year.
§ Officer Hardaker's assisted the ATF with their investigation into the outlaw motorcycle gang "the Mongols." Officer Hardaker's planning and organization was instrumental in the safe execution of two search warrants in Chino.
§ Officer Kreps' teaching background allowed Officer Kreps to quickly form positive relationships with the staff and students she serves as a School Resource Officer at Don Lugo High School. Her role has directly resulted in crime reduction on the campus.
§ Detective Vallejo received the Chief's Commendation Award for his rural crimes expertise which was instrumental in a landmark animal cruelty case. Officer Vallejo's specialized knowledge was imperative when working with the Humane Society of the United States in a case involving animal cruelty at a local slaughter house. As a result of this case, several changes have been made to the overall meat packing industry.
Officer Jamie Benavides and Officer Scott Trosper received the 2007-2008 MADD Award for their outstanding contribution to reducing DUI related crimes. From July 2007 to July 2008, Officer Benavides made 14 DUI related arrests and Officer Trosper made 13 DUI related arrests.
Citizen's Commendations were presented to four members of the Community Support Team: Gustavo Delgado, William Hamilton, Gus Wybenga and William Sitton. Collectively, these four volunteers donated 1,495 hours of their time and issued 211 parking tickets.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a bi-annual Department photograph was taken of all members, sworn, civilian support staff and the many volunteers that donate hundreds of hours to their community.
Contact : Michelle Van Der Linden, Public Information Officer, Administration 909-591-9803 mvanderlinden@cityofchino.org
