The Dixon Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of three internal candidates to leadership positions within the department. Lt. Jenna Cameron, Lt. Mick Geisser, and Sgt. Alberto Oliveira have all been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Sergeant, respectively.
The promotion of these three outstanding officers is a reflection of the department’s commitment to promoting from within and recognizing the contributions of our dedicated employees. They represent the next generation of leadership for the police department and will be instrumental in the next evolution of the department.
“I am thrilled to promote these three exceptional officers to leadership positions within our department,” said Chief Robert Thompson. “Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to our community make them ideal candidates for these positions. We are excited to see them lead and inspire our team to continue providing excellent service to our community.”
Lieutenant Jena Cameron joined the department in 2005 and has held a variety of positions, including Detective, Investigations Supervisor, Watch Commander, and Community Services Supervisor. Her experience and leadership will be invaluable in her new role as a Lieutenant.
Lieutenant Mick Geisser has been a member of the department since 2005 and has served in various capacities, including Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Watch Commander, and Investigations Supervisor. His experience and dedication to the department will be a great asset in this new leadership role.
Sergeant Alberto Oliviera has been a valued member of the department since 2017 and has proven his commitment to serving and protecting our community. His promotion to Sergeant is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and leadership skills.
The Dixon Police Department congratulates Lt. Jenna Cameron, Lt. Mick Geisser, and Sgt. Alberto Oliveira on their promotions and wishes them continued success in their new roles. The department is proud to have such talented and dedicated individuals serving our community.
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Congratulations, to Undersheriff Dale Johnson who is retiring from the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office on October 1, 2022, after over 30 years of dedicated service!
Dale served six years in the US Army, and participated in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, prior to joining the YCSO.
Dale was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff at YCSO on April 29, 1992. His assignments included: Capay Augmented Patrol, YONET, Field Training Officer and Investigations.
He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on April 9, 2000. His assignments included: Marine Patrol, Investigations, Gang Task Force, Honor Guard and SWAT.
Dale was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on August 14, 2011, and was assigned to the Administration Division.
He was promoted to the rank of Captain on October 6, 2013, and was assigned as Field Operations Division Commander and later was re-assigned as Detention Division Commander. He was appointed Undersheriff on June 30, 2019.
Dale’s awards include:
- Deputy of the Year, 1995
- Mothers Against Drunk Drivers Award, 2002
- Team (Investigations) of the Year, 2005
- Certificate of Commendation for Dedicated Service, 2006
- Sworn Manager of the Year, 2007
- Sworn Manager of the Year, 2010
Congratulations, Dale…enjoy your retirement!
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(Courtesy photo, City of Suisun City)
Suisun City Announces New Fire Chief
By THE REPORTER |PUBLISHED: August 30, 2022 at 6:28 p.m. | UPDATED: August 30, 2022 at 6:29 p.m.
Suisun City has named its new fire chief, and he hails from Winters, officials announced Tuesday. Brad Lopez, who spent 30 years with the Winters Fire Department, the last three as its chief, came aboard at Suisun City Fire on Monday.
“After an exhaustive open recruitment process that included several oral boards, as well as the consent of the Suisun City Council, Chief Lopez stood out as an exemplary candidate that we were fortunate to be able to attract to lead our department,” said City Manager Greg Folsom in a press statement. “I am confident that Chief Lopez will be a strong leader as we continue to build our fire department.”
Lopez expressed thanks for his time with Winters Fire, and enthusiasm for his post in Suisun City. “I was fortunate to spend thirty years with the Winters Fire Department and I am excited to bring that experience to Suisun City,” said Lopez in the statement. “I know I have a great team to work with here in Suisun City and I’m looking forward to leading the Suisun City Fire Department as we continue to improve our department in service to our community.”
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Introducing First Response K-9 Team Dog Maddox:
The Fairfield Police Department is pleased to introduce our community to “K-9 Maddox.” Maddox is a new member of the FPD Peer Support and Wellness Team and is the department’s first dedicated Team Dog. He has been taught a variety of skills to help our dispatchers and officers decompress after stressful situations or calls.
Maddox will also use his skills to assist crime victims and those affected by disasters, such as floods and fires.
Maddox is handled by Dispatch Supervisor, Gaby Lopez. During Gaby’s training with the National Institute of Canine Service and Training’s (NICST) First Response K-9’s Program, she completed over 40 hours of hands-on instruction. As part of his “work” duties, Maddox will assist Gaby in the dispatch center, keeping things calm in a sometimes-chaotic workplace.
Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) of San Rafael, California raised Maddox to become a guide dog. Dogs that are not suited for guide work are generously repurposed for use by organizations such as NICST to be trained in their programs. FPD received Maddox free of charge from NICST.
“Thanks to the efforts of First Response K-9’s, GDB, and all the volunteers, Maddox is with FPD today. We are deeply grateful and will now be prepared to provide much needed peer and community support after a traumatic event,” said Chief Deanna Cantrell.
“Maddox is a big love bug so he truly found his calling in life,” according to NICST President Mark Ruefenacht. “At first he was nervous when he heard a siren, but now he gets so excited and happy to work.”
You can catch Maddox and Gaby at various community events, so be sure to say hello when you see them! The FPD Team Dog program will be announcing more exciting news soon!
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May 17, 2022, the City of Vallejo named a street in honor of Officer James Capoot, who was shot and killed during a foot pursuit of an armed bank robbery suspect following a high-speed chase on November 17, 2011. Officer Capoot was a US Marine Corps veteran, served in the CHP for two years and served the Vallejo PD for 19 years.
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Supervisors salute 60th annual Peace Officers Memorial Day
FAIRFIELD — Solano County supervisors on Tuesday adopted a resolution recognizing May 15 as the 60th annual commemoration of Peace Officers Memorial Day and recognized May 15-21 as National Police Officer Appreciation Week in Solano County.
The Peace Officers Memorial Day commemoration will begin at noon May 11 at the Solano County Peace Officers Memorial Wall of Honor located at 530 Union Ave. There are 20 officers’ names on the memorial. The Solano County Sheriff’s Office has lost three officers in the line of duty: Hale Humphrey (March 15, 1963), Jose Cisneros (Aug. 25, 1985) and John Sandlin (April 23, 2004).
The board also adopted a resolution recognizing May 1-7 as Correctional Officers and Correctional Employees Appreciation Week in Solano County. “It is appropriate that we honor correctional officers in all our institutions, at all levels of government, for their invaluable contributions to caring for incarcerated individuals in their custody. A correctional officer’s job is difficult, stressful and offers the reward that comes with maintaining order and offering protection, while encouraging inmates to develop skills and attitudes that permit them to lead productive lives after their release,” the resolution states.
It was presented by Supervisor Mitch Mashburn, a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office and corrections division. Undersheriff Brad DeWall said 2022 marks the 50th year the county has had designated correctional officers. That resolution followed the recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Officer Appreciation Week, “with special recognition to those peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.”
“According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, from Jan. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021, 458 law enforcement officers died in the line of duty, 24 in California,” the staff report to the board states. That is a 55% increase from the 295 officers who died in 2020, “and is the highest total line-of-duty deaths since 1930 when there were 312 fatalities.”
“We must all take a moment to appreciate the risks peace officers take every day to protect every one of us and this great nation,” the staff report states. “It is critical that the public know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, challenges and sacrifices law enforcement personnel face daily when performing their jobs.” Solano County employs 115 deputies, 21 sergeants, eight lieutenants and three captains.
“The members of the Solano County Sheriff’s Office, and approximately 900,000 additional law enforcement officers across the country, play an essential role in promoting and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of American citizens,” the resolution states. “It is critical that the public know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, challenges and sacrifices law enforcement personnel face when performing their jobs on a daily basis; and . . . of equal importance, law enforcement officers must recognize the risks of their sworn duty to serve their communities when safeguarding life and property, protecting against violence and disorder, and preventing deception and oppression.”
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By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter
PUBLISHED: April 20, 2022 at 8:42 p.m. | UPDATED: April 20, 2022 at 8:42 p.m.
When Matthew Taylor was growing up in Benicia, his parents, both volunteer firefighters, taught him the importance of working hard and helping people. He took those lessons to heart.
Today, Taylor is a Vacaville police officer who has just been named the department’s Officer of the Year.
“I’m humbled and honored,” he said. “It really means a lot. This year, they did a department-wide poll. The fact that I was selected by a general vote… It’s an honor that my peers thought I was worthy.”
As a child, Taylor accompanied his parents to all manner of community events and hung out at their fire house. He remembers all the time and effort they put into their volunteer positions, the care they gave the community and how much he wanted to be like them. “I had a pair of rain boots and pretended they were fire boots and just wore them all over,” he said.
But he had firefighters, police officers and other service members in his family so he wasn’t quite sure what path his career would take. A policing class changed all that and he later put himself through a police academy.
Taylor was hired by the Solano County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 and joined the Vacaville Police Department in 2019. He had already been living in the city for awhile and felt at home there. “I just really liked Vacaville,” he mused. “It’s the place I wanted to raise my family.” And that will happen very soon, as Taylor and his fiancée, Mystic Santisteven, a decorated Vacaville police dispatcher, are set to welcome their first child, a daughter, within the next few weeks. To say he’s ecstatic is an understatement. Life, he said, is truly beautiful.
The officer admits that he doesn’t seek the limelight, instead “I like to let my work speak for itself. I like to build up others, be a good partner.”
That’s what makes Taylor such a good officer, Chief Ian Schmutzler advised.
“Matt is one of those very quiet, very humble individuals who consistently goes out into the field and performs with exceptional professionalism and genuine care for this community,” Schmutzler said. “He is described as the ultimate teammate who will not wait to be asked to help, rather just jumps in and goes to work helping wherever and however needed.”
Taylor — a firearms instructor, Taser instructor, less lethal weapons instructor, field training officer and traffic officer — simply loves his job.
His dad taught him about firearms, firearms safety and laws, he said, and his position as firearms instructor “is a bond I have with my dad.” He strives to ensure officers have the best instruction he can give.
His new position with the Traffic unit, he said, is a dream come true. Fascinated by accident investigation, he’s also been tapped as a DUI officer, following in the footsteps of newly-retired veteran Officer Chuck Bailey. Bailey was known for his prowess regarding DUI-related arrests, among others, and freely shared his knowledge with Taylor. “Chuck took me under his wing,” he said. “He was excellent in training me and always more than willing to make time for me. … I have a great amount of respect for him.”
He’s found his niche and his home in Vacaville, Taylor said, and is excited about serving his community. A player of traveling baseball as a youth, he now helps out with the Police Activities League and the Junior Giants program. “I’m eager to continue to learn and grow,” he said. “I enjoy helping others. I think if you enjoy what you’re doing, you never work a day in your life.”
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Many thanks to Guy Fieri and his foundation for his continued support of the CHP and all first responders. Today, Guy and his amazing crew treated the Solano Area Office to an incredible lunch as a thank you for all their hard work. We are extremely grateful for his kindness and appreciate such a thoughtful gesture to recognize everything that first responders do for their communities. Guy even participated in handing out the yearly awards for officers, going above and beyond!
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On February 9, 2022, Officer Tyler Quinn passed away unexpectedly in his home. Tyler had been a Vallejo Police officer since 2017. Prior to that, he worked for the Fairfield and West Sacramento Police Departments. Tyler was only 35 years old and will be missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and the Vallejo community.
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Congratulations to Sgt. Mike Glaser and Lt. Robin Malugani upon their retirement from the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office this month, and thank you for your years of service!
Correctional Lieutenant Robin Malugani
Robin started her 33-year career at the YCSO in October, 1988. She promoted to Correctional Sergeant in September, 2008, and was promoted to Correctional Lieutenant in 2017.
Robin has worked a number of assignments, including: on-line correctional officer duties, classification, gangs, Jail Training Officer (JTO)/coordinator, STC coordinator, policy and procedure compliance officer, shift supervisor and branch jail manager.
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Sergeant Mike Glaser
Mike was hired in October 1991, and during his 30-year career, has worked in a number of assignments, including: detention, court services/transportation, patrol, marine patrol/SAR, investigations and the agricultural theft task force.
Mike was awarded the department’s Silver Medal of Valor in 2011, and he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in May, 2016.
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Congratulations to the following individuals at the YCSO on their recent promotions/appointments.
Gary Hallenbeck to Captain
Juan Ceja to Lieutenant
Steve Guthrie (previously with Woodland PD) to Lieutenant
Mike Ha to Sergeant
Dennis Gaines to Correctional Lieutenant
William Keenan to Correctional Sergeant
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Vacaville police say goodbye to husband and wife team
By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter PUBLISHED: September 21, 2021 at 9:11 p.m. | UPDATED: September 21, 2021 at 9:12 p.m.
Partners in life and in policing, Chuck and Julie Bailey will be embarking on a new adventure come November, that of retirement.
After decades of service, the pair decided it was time to focus on their next chapter. A career in law enforcement is tough, especially in recent years, and with older family members to think of, it just makes sense to shift their focus to caring for and making memories with their loved ones.
Reflecting on their beginnings, the couple emphasized that they wouldn’t change a thing.
Chuck’s been in law enforcement for 31 years. Driving a friend to take a policing test proved fateful, as the proctor encouraged him to test as well. He did, he passed and put himself through a police academy. He ended up as a reserve in Vallejo, was hired on in Pinole and went on to serve 21 years in Vacaville.
Julie started out in retail, managing shops and working with local agencies to nab shoplifters. She later took a Criminal Justice class at Solano Community College and was taken under the wing of the beloved and now-retired Criminal Justice department head Keith Twitchell, who mentored many local law enforcement veterans.
She started as a volunteer with the Vacaville Police Department in 1992, was later hired as a community service officer and then a police officer, and has been serving the community for almost 30 years.
The Baileys met in Vacaville when Julie enacted a traffic stop on Chuck, then a Pinole police officer. “There wasn’t any romance in it,” Julie joked. Chuck admits he deserved the stop. Later, he and Julie would become coworkers and friends. They would go on to marry in 2015.
Their professional paths, however, are very independent, with each making a name for themselves in the department and beyond.
Julie was the department’s first female K-9 handler, partnering with Cir for eight years. She was also the first female range instructor, a longtime field training officer, a leader with the peer support program and advisor for the department’s cadet program, which trains youngsters in what police officers and other staff do and encourages any interests in pursuing the profession.
Being an FTO, she explained, was “the hardest job I’ve ever done.” Overseeing newcomers, developing their potential, watching them grow — all are exceptionally rewarding.
Which is why she’s also enjoyed being the cadet advisor of 25 years. “They’re my kids,” she said. “I see them everywhere.” Chuck agreed. “They’re pretty much in every branch of the military and a lot of local agencies,” he said. The latter includes police and fire departments, the medical field and more.
For her efforts with the program, Julie was nominated for a Distinguished Achievement Medal.
“This is where Julie has made the most impact in the lives of her what has become her “pride”; all the cadets she has come to call her ‘kids,’” reads her nomination letter. “The standards set by Officer Bailey were high but so was the praise for a job well done.
Chuck, meanwhile, has set himself apart finding stolen vehicles and arresting DUI suspects. He’s also worked Patrol, as an FTO, as an emergency vehicle operations course trainer and as a cadet advisor. His favorite assignment, though, is clear.
“I found my niche in Traffic,” he shared.
He’s made thousands of DUI-related arrests and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Among his other recognitions are lifesaving awards, 10851 (stolen vehicle) awards and more.
Sgt. Mike Miller called the Baileys “rare gems” who have dedicated decades to make the community a better place. “You couldn’t ask for two better police officers,” he said.
Their last day will be Nov. 3.
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The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership honors the work and dedication of volunteers. Their Volunteer of the Month Recognition highlights volunteers from Marin, Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties. Every month, we recognize one volunteer from each county who goes above and beyond to support our communities.
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By THOMAS GASE | tgase@timesheraldonline.com | Vallejo Times Herald
July 12, 2021 at 4:20 p.m.
Growing up in a law enforcement household, Michelle King is no stranger to that type of life. Her new promotion, however, is new territory for women. King became the first woman sergeant in Benicia Police Department history when she accepted the position in late June.
“I take a lot of pride in it, and I think anyone does who moves up in getting a job,” King said. “But I put in a lot of hard work to get here and I’m thankful to be recognized for that hard work.”
Benicia Chief of Police Mike Greene says King has the respect of her peers. “She’s always been known as a very dependable officer, conscientious, and calm and level-headed,” said Greene. “Sgt. King brings compassion and humanity to the profession, while still upholding the laws. Everyone she interacts with in the community and other law enforcement capacity is always impressed by her intelligence and confidence. I’m continuously impressed by her work.”
King said growing up in a family of law enforcement members — her mom was a dispatch, her sister currently works as a police officer in Vacaville — made some things difficult. “With shift work, you often don’t celebrate holidays like everybody else but you adapt,” King said. “But I was never pressured into being a police officer.” In fact, it was some of the holiday events that made her appreciate the work even more.
“I always grew up knowing, ‘Oh, my dad fights bad guys,’” King said. “But what really piqued my interest was every year my dad would go on Toy Drives around Christmas and give out presents. My sister and I would be allowed to come and help. It was during this time I realized there were other ways to help out and other perks of being a police officer.”
King has served as a patrol officer, criminal detective, and a corporal in investigations. She’s investigated attempted murders, frauds, as well as helped supervise and mentor the unit, before moving back to patrol as a corporal. She is also a member of the Solano County Crisis Negotiations Team.
King said that she’s always wanted to help out on the police force but she never set out on being the first female sergeant in BPD history.
“I do feel there is a weight of responsibility that comes with it and you want to set a good example,” King said. “Sometimes you can have some really sweet moments. The other day I was at Raley’s and a little girl came up to me and said, ‘I didn’t know you could be a woman police officer.’ I find that it’s a privilege but it’s not something I set out for.”
“I grew up in Solano, but wasn’t that familiar with Benicia until I started working here,” King said. “I like that it still has a small-town feel to it and I can walk down 1st Street and have a conversation and connection with people. I think that’s very important. I think that’s my favorite part of the job in that we have the support of everyone in this community.”
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February 28, 1931 – May 27, 2021
Vacaville, California – Surrounded by his loving family, Jim passed away on May 27th, 2021, in the home he loved and built in Vacaville, California.
Jim was a man of many talents, and was much admired and respected. He served as a California Highway Patrolman for 30 years, and after retirement served 16 years on the CAHP Board of Directors. He was also a former Corporal in the USMC and was awarded the Purple Heart in Korea. Services will be held on November 10th, 2021 at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon.
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April 2, 1934 – June 1, 2021
David J. Marianno Sr., 87, passed away on June 1, 2021, at his home in Suisun City, California. Dave was born April 2, 1934, in San Francisco to his parents, Frank and Catherine Marianno, along with his twin brother, Frank Jr. He grew up on the family ranch in Green Valley and attended Falls Elementary School before graduating from Armijo High School in 1952.
After high school, Dave secured employment as a heavy duty diesel mechanic at Sheldon Oil Company in Suisun where he worked for 21 years. Later, he took a job as a mechanic for Solano County and retired from there after 24 years. With a gift for all things mechanical, Dave could fix just about anything. He also ranched sheep and cattle for his entire adult life, a hobby he picked up from his father.
Dave was very active in the community. As a proud California native, Dave loved Solano County, especially its rural areas. He joined The Citizens Committee to Protect Travis AFB and the Solano Land Trust with the intent of protecting the base and rural agricultural land from urban encroachment.
At the time of his death, he was serving as a commissioner on the Montezuma Hills Rural Fire Department Board.
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Uplift Family Services and Solano County Behavioral Health are pleased to announce the initial launch of the Solano Community-Based Mobile Crisis Response Program in partnership with the Fairfield Police Department and the Suisun City Police Department. For information, click here.
After nearly 30 years, Vacaville police lieutenant set to retire
By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter April 27, 2021 at 8:55 p.m.
Steve Carey’s goal was simple — to launch a career that would positively impact the community and allow him to be a hands-on family man at the same time. Twenty-eight years later, the acting lieutenant with the Vacaville Police Department is a happily married dad of two — and he retires Wednesday knowing he accomplished his mission. “I truly enjoyed working for the city. The people we serve are extremely supportive,” he shared. “Every single day, someone’s saying ‘thank you.’”
Growing up in Fremont, Carey was influenced by his dad, who worked in law enforcement in San Francisco. Fate played a role in his studies, as the junior college he ended up attending didn’t have the aviation mechanic classes he initially wanted so, he turned to Criminal Justice and never looked back.
Eventually, he joined the Milpitas Police Department as a cadet, paid his way through a police academy and graduated in 1991 and worked a reserve police officer with the Vallejo Police Department. He would later apply elsewhere and was picked up by the Vacaville Police Department. Thanks to his mom, his application was delivered in time.
“I got hired here and I never looked back,” he said. He’d found his niche and settled in with wife, Jo, and later raised his kids Jalen and Spencer in Vacaville.
Work was challenging but fulfilling and saw him on Patrol, with the Peer Support Team, as a detective for eight years and supervisor for six. He served as a field training officer, is a defensive tactics expert due to his martial arts skills and served with SWAT for 24 years.
In 2012, he was promoted to sergeant. In April, he was named acting lieutenant. He also achieved getting his bachelor’s degree mid-career. Investigations, Carey said, was his favorite assignment. He liked the research, solving crimes. “I still have families that I met in troubled circumstances. We still talk and send Christmas cards,” he advised. There’s just something about some cases, the connections you make, he said. After all, the job is all about people.
Which is how “What Would Steve Do” came about.
“I’ve had the privilege to work with Steve for over 20 years. During that time Steve has taught me so much about the career, life and the importance of caring about people,” said Acting Capt. Chris Polen. “Steve has an amazing soul and always wanted the best for our community and for our police department. It’s been an honor to work with a man who always understood the importance of the policing profession.
“WWSD” came about when Steve rotated out of investigations and left us young detectives to fend for ourselves. A short time later, the team was called out to handle a homicide investigation. At one point during the investigation the detectives were attempting to determine the “next steps.” Being a young team, we all paused to collect our thoughts and then out of nowhere someone asked “What would Steve do?” Since then WWSD was formed.”
Acting police Chief Ian Schmutzler described Carey’s expertise in, well, everything, but also pointed out his big heart. “Steve is truly one of the most humble human beings I’ve ever known. His kindness, humility and genuine care about the citizens of Vacaville has shone through year after year throughout his career. The only times I can recall Steve ever exhibiting any signs of brazenness was whenever he was called out for a “break dance” dance off at one of the many celebrations we attended over the years,” Schmutzler recalled. “Steve’s daughter, Jalen, and my son, Jacob, both went to preschool together and to have watched them both grow up while Steve and I sharing “proud dad” stories with each other has been such a tremendous pleasure. Steve is truly one in a million.”
Lt. Keith Hopper agreed. “Steve is an exceptional human being. He really cares about people. He loves this community. He loves the people in the community, the people in the Police Department,” Hopper mused. “He is just one terrific human and I really appreciate him. I know that his peers and the people that work for him appreciate his leadership, his calm demeanor and his ability to really just see the best in people.
“We’re really going to miss Steve and I think he’s going to be successful in whatever endeavor he undertakes in life. In a nutshell, Steve Carey is worth his weight in gold.”
Carey attributed his success personally and professionally to his wife, Jo. Aside from being a huge support, she gave up her career at San Quentin to care for their kids full time, he said.
Though he’ll miss his police family, Carey has no doubt he’ll see them again. “I plan on going into the medical field,” he declared. “As an EMT in the ER.”
It’ll likely be a part time thing after he completes his studies, he said, and will allow him to continue to actively help the community he loves. He cared for Jo when she had cancer in 2013, Jo said, adding, “That’s when I knew, man, I have a good one.” Both also beat COVID-19 in November. Carey had planned to retire last year, but was asked to stay. “It’s exciting but sad at the same time. It’s just the right time,” he said. At some point, the family plans on enjoying a nice, relaxing Alaskan cruise. No doubt, they deserve it.
OAKLAND, Calif. – By Lisa Fernandez, a reporter for KTVU. –In 24 years, Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jeffery Hazelitt has been able to defuse countless tense situations. In that quarter century of work, he’s had to adapt to the unique aspects of each standoff. On Tuesday, he improvised and found a simple tool to distract an erratic and armed person. He turned off the air conditioning. And this sergeant’s de-escalation tactics — where he used creative techniques instead of drawing his gun — comes at a time when there are nationwide calls for police reforms and better ways to handle mental health crisis situations, which constitute the vast majority of calls for help.
Yes, Hazelitt said he was scared and worried about his partners. But that’s not what was most crucial to him. “I definitely feared for my life,” Hazelitt said. “But more importantly, I feared for his life.”
Hazelitt was facing a tough scenario: A Black man in his 30s had been running between terminals at Oakland International Airport threatening to kill himself with a knife at 6 a.m., as early-morning travelers rushed to and from flights. The man was acting bizarrely, Hazelitt explained, and ended up barricading himself in the baggage carousel area of Terminal 1. When Hazelitt arrived, the man was holding a 7-inch knife to his neck and begging deputies to shoot him.
“I didn’t want to shoot him or harm him,” Hazelitt told KTVU in an exclusive interview on Thursday. “I was looking to de-escalate the situation.”
Then he paused. “Everybody has a story,” Hazelitt said. “I’m not sure what his story is. I don’t know what caused his mental health crisis at the time. My opportunity to give him one more day was all I was thinking about. I wanted to give him the opportunity to see his children. He was talking about his children. So if I was able to get the knife away, get him the mental help that he needed, then that would pretty much give him extra life.”
Hazelitt then did something he has never done before: He saw that the man was wearing a thick coat. So he called the director of airport operations to turn off the air conditioning and crank up the heat. The man started to sweat. Hazelitt saw his plan was working. And when the man started to take off his jacket, Hazelitt used a Taser to subdue him, and then rushed in to wrestle away the knife. The plan worked.
The man was taken to John George psychiatric hospital in San Leandro, the sheriff’s office said. He was not arrested for the airport scare; but he was wanted in another county on an outstanding warrant.
Adam Bercovici, a best practices police expert who used to be a lieutenant for the Los Angeles Police Department, said that police officers de-escalate situations like this regularly, but the public often focuses on the negative, such as when officers shoot and kill people. “This is a job well done,” Bercovici said. “It’s important to focus on when good work is done. Time and time again, all across the nation, police are de-escalating situations. When we don’t, then it becomes an issue.” Part of being a good police officer, Bercovici said, is being innovative and thinking on your feet. “But this officer thought outside the box,” he said. “Nothing in the manual says ‘Turn the AC off.'”
Santa Clara University criminal law professor W. David Ball concurred with the ingenuity of what Hazelitt did, crediting both his training and experience for remaining calm under pressure. “It’s important to have ice in your veins at these key moments,” Ball said. “Not to take the shot, but to let yourself coolly assess the situation.”
For his part, Hazelitt downplayed his creativity. He said while he had never manipulated a person’s behavior before by using temperature, he did say that he learned in his SWAT and hostage negotiating training that people can be flushed out of places by turning off their water or power. “I just saw the opportunity to get him warm and uncomfortable,” he said.
But Hazelitt’s superiors certainly aren’t being shy about touting his capabilities. “Sergeant Hazelitt is a trained professional,” Sheriff’s spokeswoman Tya Modeste said. “His actions on Tuesday were indicative of who he is as a person and a professional. He’s passionate about his job, and he always puts others before himself.”
As for how he felt after the situation resolved without incident, Hazelitt said simply: “I just continued with my job. I felt OK with the outcome. I hope he got the resources he needs.”
Chief of Police John Carli has announced that he will retire from a 32-year career in law enforcement, and will step back from active duty on February 23. Serving as Vacaville’s Chief of Police since 2014, he oversees the police department’s 179 sworn and civilian staff and a budget of $42.4 million. Captain Ian Schmutzler will assume department leadership until an interim police chief is selected.
Chief Carli’s career started with the Vacaville Police Department in 1989 and he attended the Santa Rosa Police Academy. Upon graduating he spent his early years as a police officer patrolling the streets of Vacaville with his K9 partner. While in Patrol, John eventually stepped into the role of Field Training Officer and then Detective in 1999. While in Investigations he was assigned to the Northern California Computer Crimes Task Force in Napa, investigating computer crimes and identity theft.
John was promoted to Sergeant in 2003 and again patrolled the streets of Vacaville, supervising the Critical Incident Negotiation Team, K9 Unit, Firearms Instructors, Police Technology, and the Office of Professional Standards.
In 2010, John was promoted to Lieutenant and joined the ranks of the command staff. During the last four years he managed both the Field Operations Division and the Investigative Services Division. As the SWAT Commander during this period of time, he provided extensive tactical supervision and managed all special response teams within the Department.
“It has been my honor to serve Vacaville all these years. I am thankful for having the privilege to work alongside the finest police officers and professional staff on what is truly an incredible community. I will sincerely miss being with such incredible staff,” said Chief Carli. “My family has called Vacaville home. Having raised our children and grandchildren here has reminded me how much I love this city and what has made Vacaville so special – its people.
Congratulations to our two newly sworn Vallejo Police Officers, Bethel HS 2016 graduate, Elias Diaz of Vallejo, and Noah Carter of San Diego. Mayor Robert H. McConnell had the pleasure of meeting them on their first day on the job after being sworn in by Vallejo Police Chief Shawny Williams. Elias Diaz also graduated from Sonoma State University in 2020. Both of them completed training at the Alameda Police Academy. CONGRATULATIONS! So very proud of our new public servant leaders!
Officer Thomas Letterman joined the Winters Police Department in March of 2020. He graduated from the Napa Valley College Police Academy in 2007 as the Class Vice President. Officer Letterman was hired by the Citrus Heights Police Department a few weeks after graduation. He spent 6 ½ years with Citrus Heights Police Department as Reserve Police Officer before stepping away in 2014 to start a family. Officer Letterman’s goals with the Winters Police Department are to obtain his degree, become an Field Training Officer, join the Bicycle Unit, and eventually a promotion, in the future.
Officer Letterman is excited to be a part of the Winters Police Department and able to serve the citizens in the City of Winters each and every day. In his free time, he enjoys barbecuing, fishing, going on bike rides with his wife and two children, and spending time with family and friends.
The Vallejo Police Department (VPD) is pleased to announce that former Vallejo Police Chief and public safety consultant Joseph Kreins will be returning to serve as Interim Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Vallejo. Kreins will be an addition to the newly hired permanent Deputy Chief Michael Kihmm.
Interim Deputy Chief Kreins began his career in law enforcement when he became a police cadet/intern with the Concord Police Department in 1974. In 1980, he was hired as a police officer with the City of Sausalito. He then returned to the Concord Police Department in 1985 and rose through the ranks, completing his tenure with Concord PD as a lieutenant/district commander. While in Concord, Kreins also served as the Department’s first-ever public information officer (a position he held for 4 years).
In 2001, Kreins was appointed Chief of Police for the Sausalito Police Department. Two years later, he was promoted to assistant city manager. Along with his position as police chief, his responsibilities included leadership and management of the city fire department, as well as information technology and city parking services.
Interim Deputy Chief Kreins initially served as Interim Chief of Police for the City of Vallejo in 2012 before becoming permanent and serving through October 2014. Thereafter, Kreins served as interim chief of police in multiple cities from 2014-2019 including Benicia, Winters, Novato, Clayton, and Suisun City.
Please join our department in welcoming Interim Deputy Chief Joseph Kreins back to the Vallejo Police Department. Interim Deputy Chief Kreins was sworn in on December 7, 2020.
By Community Contributor, The Daily Republic
Solano County District Attorney Krishna Abrams spoke virtually before the Rio Vista Rotary Club via Zoom at 7:30 a.m., a week ago Friday. Krishna has been a prosecutor for 24 years. She started out as a deputy public defender in Solano County in 1995. One year later she began work as a deputy district attorney in Tulare County. She came back to Solano County in 2000, and has worked at the Solano County District Attorney’s Office for the past 20 years, serving the community as the district attorney since 2014.
She indicated that District Attorney’s offices are kept on their toes, modifying activities and policies to maintain compliance with all voter-approved changes in the Penal Code.
As new propositions are passed, and Sacramento passes the changes down to the DA’s offices, the nature and size of the prison population waxes and wanes. DA’s offices are charged with the prosecution of all accused lawbreakers within their county. The process becomes more challenging when the total prison population approaches the maximum housing capacity of the prison system. With the recent changes in the law of jury selection, the Solano County DA’s Office remains committed to having 12 fair jurors who will listen to the evidence, apply the law and reach a fair verdict. Krishna seeks a fair process for everyone: the people, the defendants and the victims. She maintains that cases should be ethically, fairly and honestly prosecuted, so that the victims always have a voice and the violators are held accountable for what they do. She discussed some of the changes that have affected the DA’s Office and law enforcement. In order to reassure victims, the DA’s Office does not favor policy changes that would release guilty parties before paying their debt to society. Lately, the DA’s office has been challenged to deal with many Covid-19 early release petitions while maintaining the spirit of the law.
Prior to Covid-19, the DA’s Office had been working more and more with community members to improve services to the public. During the outset of Covid-19, there was an impact on defendants, victims and the court. To address some of those challenges, the chief justice implemented some emergency rules, one being “zero dollar bail” for lesser crimes. However, 43% of those released quickly committed new crimes.
The DA’s Office has worked to establish Neighborhood Court in Solano County. This is a restorative justice program where lower-level offenders appear before community volunteers without impacting the larger court system. The DA’s Office has also successfully partnered with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative to get guns off the streets and make the community safer.
The DA’s Office has recently launched the Solano County Major Crimes Task Force and updated the Officer Involved Fatal Incident Protocol to independently investigate police officer shootings and other critical incidents. Krishna said this has been a longstanding goal of hers since being elected six years ago.
By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter
PUBLISHED: October 15, 2020 at 6:28 p.m. | UPDATED: October 16, 2020 at 6:01 p.m.
Deanna Cantrell was sworn in Wednesday as the Fairfield Police Department’s newest chief — and the city’s first-ever female chief.
“We would like to welcome Chief Cantrell, and her partner, Kristi to our wonderful community, and the Fairfield Police Department family as our 13th Police Chief to lead our distinguished agency,” officials said in a press statement. “Chief Cantrell is eager to learn the culture and become an active member of our diverse community. “As the chief of police, Cantrell is committed to working in partnership with our community to preserve and enhance the quality of life through effective community policing, crime prevention, education, department transparency and innovative law enforcement.” Cantrell has headed the San Luis Obispo Police Department since 2016.
Prior to that, she served with the Mesa, Arizona Police Department for 21 years. She left as the assistant chief of the Administrative Services Bureau, where she oversaw Fiscal, Supply, Fleet, Police Information Technology, Communications, Records and the Forensics Lab. She had also served as the deputy chief of Special Operations, as a patrol commander, Internal Affairs lieutenant and sergeant, Gang and Patrol lieutenant, a motor officer in Traffic, and other special operations positions prior to her promotion. She chaired the Diversity Team, served on the NAACP Legal Redress Committee and the Muslim Police Advisory Board, and as the chair of the Human Rights Forum in Mesa.
In San Luis Obispo, she founded the Police And Community Together (PACT) committee, which was awarded the Anti-Defamation League Sherwood Prize in March 2019 for combating hate. She serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image committee; is the Region 12 Representative for the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA); served on the Changing the Narrative Committee; and is co-chair of the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Committee. In 2018, she was named a 24th District Congressional Woman of the year.
Cantrell holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Administration from Northern Arizona University. She is a graduate of Northwestern University Police Staff and Command School and the International Association of Chief of Police Leadership in Policing Organizations Training. She also served as an adjunct faculty member for Northwestern University teaching policy, contemporary policing, executive image, internal conflict and strategic planning.
Cantrell was introduced to the community during the Oct. 20 City Council meeting.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved neighbor, friend, brother and father Douglas F. Mai. Doug joined the Navy and was honorably discharged after 5 years of service. Doug and Donna Mai were married in 1960, had two children and he went on to graduate from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 1968; the family then moved to Southern California for his work with CHP. He was also an Assistant Scout Master in the Boy Scouts, helping our youth to enjoy outdoor adventures, value nature and community as he did, and earn a variety of merit badges (many of the boys were able to earn the unique “finger printing” merit badge because of Doug’s law enforcement career). He moved his family to Northern California to return to rural life and began working for the Fairfield Police Department in 1977. The family has lived in Pleasants Valley ever since. He was an avid outdoorsman, boater, handyman, full of fun facts with an unsurpassed dry sense of humor. He loved and was loved by all his family and friends, whether lifelong or just meeting in the grocery line. We have all benefited from his depth of character and qualities as a human being; we will miss him deeply always.
| After a comprehensive selection process, City Manager Stefan Chatwin will be announcing the selection of Deanna Cantrell as the new Chief of Police. City Manager Chatwin will be releasing a consistent statement shortly to the entire City, along with additional details. I have known Deanna for more than 5 years and feel she will make an excellent fit for Fairfield PD, the City, and the community. In fact, as I began my recruiting efforts several months ago, I felt she would be a top pick for our organization. Chief Cantrell’s love of “community” is exceptional and will fit Fairfield well. The plan moving forward is for Chief Cantrell to join you in October. Chief Cantrell served the City of Mesa, Arizona for over 21 years and as the Chief of Police in San Luis Obispo since January 2016. Deanna’s final assignment with Mesa PD was as the Assistant Chief of the Administrative Services Bureau where she oversaw Fiscal, Supply, Fleet, Police Information Technology, Communications, Records and the Forensics Lab. Deanna also served as the Deputy Chief of Special Operations, as a Patrol Commander, Internal Affairs Lieutenant and Sergeant, Gang and Patrol Lieutenant, a Motor officer in Traffic, and several other special operations positions prior to promotion. Deanna believes that the police exist to make lives better. She developed a deep-rooted history of community engagement and participation while in Mesa, chairing the Diversity Team, serving on the NAACP Legal Redress Committee, the Muslim Police Advisory Board, and as the chair of the Human Rights Forum in Mesa. Deanna has continued that tradition in San Luis Obispo by starting the Police And Community Together (PACT) committee. PACT was awarded the Anti-Defamation League Sherwood Prize in March 2019 for combatting hate. Deanna serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image committee. She is the Region 12 Representative for the California Police Chiefs Association (CPCA), served on the Changing the Narrative Committee and is also a Co-Chair of the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Committee. In 2018, Deanna was selected as a 24th District Congressional Woman of the year. Deanna holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Administration from Northern Arizona University. She is a graduate of Northwestern University Police Staff and Command School and the International Association of Chief of Police Leadership in Policing Organizations Training. Deanna is an adjunct faculty member for Northwestern University teaching policy, contemporary policing, executive image, internal conflict, and strategic planning. Chief Cantrell and her partner, Kristi, are excited to move into this next chapter of their lives and become part of the Fairfield PD family. They are eager to learn the culture and become members of our community. Thank you, Walt Tibbet, Chief of Police |
By Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
CDCR employees often open their wallets and hearts to those in need. For one family, they also opened their home and welcomed an additional son.
Before joining CDCR’s Office of Correctional Education as the Supervisor of Academic Instruction, Marla Clayton Johnson was a vice principal at a Sacramento area high school. That’s where she met student Adrian Albin, a young man struggling with his grades. As she got to know him, she came to learn he was homeless.
“Adrian isn’t our biological son, rather an at-risk former student of mine,” she explained. “He was a 16-year-old juvenile hall youth who needed some guidance and stability, who was missing tons of school, and getting suspended when he did decide to show up. But, his academic test scores were through the roof and his teachers and I could see his potential.”
In 2013, Johnson asked her family if they wouldn’t mind taking in the young man. Her goal was to get him out of the homeless shelter so he could focus on his grades. “He said he wanted to go to the Army when he graduated and we told him if he was going to live in our house, he was going to be educated and go to college first. As a high school vice principal and high school math teacher for a husband, he had no choice,” she joked. “Through his ‘find-a-way’ approach to life, he came back with, ‘OK, I found a place in New York where I can do both at the same time.’ He set his sights on attending West Point. Our youngest son, Tyler, had the brother he always wanted and they immediately bonded, allowing us to breathe a sigh of relief that this would all work out for the best.”
On June 13, 2020, Albin realized his goal and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. “My son Adrian went from being a statistic in the correctional system, rarely attending school with a 2.2 GPA in the middle of his sophomore year, to never missing a day and getting straight A grades until he graduated from high school, to graduating not only from West Point as a second lieutenant but as a National Champion Collegiate Boxer,” she said.
Pacific Coast Spirits is a 100 Club supporter! Click here to find out what they’ve been doing to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal Officer Killed in Shooting Amid Protests in Oakland
by: KRON4 Staff, Philippe Djegal Posted: May 30, 2020 / 06:25 AM PDT / Updated: May 30, 2020 / 11:41 PM PDT
OAKLAND,Calif. (KRON) – A Federal Protective Service officer died Friday night after suffering from a gunshot wound in Oakland amid protests, according to authorities. The man has been identified as 53-year-old Patrick Underwood of Pinole, according to a family member. The family provided a picture of Underwood to KRON4. They plan to hold a news conference to discuss the shooting on Monday.
A second officer was also injured in the shooting and is currently in critical condition, the FBI said. U.S. authorities say the killing of the officer who was watching over a protest in Oakland was an act of domestic terrorism. Authorities did not name a suspect and did not say whether the shooter had anything to do with the protest.
Around 9:45 p.m., authorities say a gunman in a vehicle pulled up to the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building located, at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland, and began shooting at the officers. The two officers were watching over a demonstration at the time of the shooting, the FBI said. The officers were working for the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security which provides law enforcement services for government facilities like courthouses.
Senator Dianne Feinstein released a statement on Saturday regarding the shooting:
“Last night’s shooting of two security guards in Oakland again showed what an inflammatory and difficult period we’re in. We have to know right from wrong and not use the terrible tragedy in Minneapolis to perpetrate more violence. There’s never an excuse to shoot and kill a security guard, destroy businesses or injure innocent people. Every effort must be taken to apprehend and prosecute those who use deadly violence. People must have the right to peacefully and safely protest in Oakland and across the country.”
Governor Gavin Newsom also released a statement on the shooting:
“This is a moment of pain for our state and nation. We are also mourning the tragic loss of a federal security officer and wounding of another in Oakland. Jennifer and I send our sincere condolences to their families, friends and colleagues. No one should rush to conflate this heinous act with the protests last night. A federal investigation is underway, and we should let that process play out.”
George Floyd protest: Photo shows vehicle suspected in connection with federal officer’s death in Oakland
By Dan Noyes Monday, June 1, 2020
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — Federal investigators are looking for a van captured on surveillance camera as the occupants opened fire Friday night at the Federal Building in Oakland, killing a security officer. I-Team’s Dan Noyes was the first to identify the victim over the weekend. Law enforcement sources tell us they are concerned the people in that van may have been connected to the protests, or emboldened by the chaos that night. They say they have to be stopped before they strike again.
David Vasques went to Pinole Valley High School with Pat Underwood, the security officer at Oakland’s Federal Building who was shot and killed down during the protest Friday night. Jennifer Tong, the officer’s supervisor, has set up a GoFundMe page to help his family.
He told the I-Team, “I just fell to my knees. I said, ‘God, of all people, why him?’ He was so good to a lot of people.” Vasques is also a pastor who is now preparing for a funeral, and trying to console Pat Underwood’s fiance. “It was devastating, the family is broken because we know what kind of person Pat was. Pat would not hurt a fly,” he said. Underwood died in a hail of gunfire at 9:45 p.m. Sources tell I-Team his partner was shot three times but survived with a shattered femur.
The surveillance cameras at the fed building captured that image, but not a license plate apparently. The FBI, ATF and Oakland Police are scouring the area for other surveillance cameras, traffic cameras, and looking at news helicopter video from the protest for the white van.
Jeanne Castro-Ricketts, longtime friend of Underwood says, “He was very close with his family and very close with his friends, he would do anything really for anybody.” The I-Team also spoke today with another of Pat Underwood’s lifelong friends. Pat was her brother’s best man. Now, Ricketts still can’t believe he’s gone. “It was senseless, you know, he was standing there trying to protect everybody, and he wouldn’t have hurt anybody,” she said.
David Vasques added, “People out there who are doing senseless crimes and looting, I want you to picture, when you see Pat’s face, he stood for justice, he stood for peace, he stood for equality.” Pat Underwood’s sister has canceled a news conference for tomorrow in Southern California. She tells us the family is planning a service in the Bay Area on June 12.
CHP TO ‘UNLEASH’ CALIFORNIA’S NEWEST CANINE TEAMS
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is proud to announce the graduation and deployment of nine CHP canine teams, along with one canine team from the University of California, Davis Police Department. The certification of the new canine teams follows 400-600 hours of training.
Due to the current health crisis, the traditional graduation ceremony and skills demonstration was not held, but the Department does want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of the teams, while sharing the news of their successful certification with the public as they begin deploying to communities throughout the state.
“The addition of these highly specialized teams to our existing canine units is a win for the people of California,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Sending more handlers and their canine partners to patrol throughout the state, following their intensive training, will undoubtedly make a positive impact on public and officer safety.”
This is the second of two graduations in 2020 for canines trained in handler protection and narcotics detection, handler protection and explosive detection, or explosive detection only. The canine teams complete between 10 and 15 weeks of intensive training at the CHP Academy, depending on their specialty. The CHP officers represent seven different geographical regions, statewide. The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
This is what a real hero looks like! How many lives did she save due to her courageous actions? According to the FBI, “the incredible acts of heroism by the NASCC Military Policewoman guarding the entrance to the base, saved many lives yesterday”.
The active duty U.S. Navy military police officer stationed at the Ocean Drive gate has probably checked thousands of IDs and allowed access to thousands of authorized people at NAS Corpus Christi.
On the morning of May 21, 2020 a terrorist tried to get past her. That terrorist, Adam Salem Alsahli picked the wrong gate guard to try to get past. He shot her point blank in the chest and then attempted to drive onto the base.
He didn’t get far.
She took the bullet dead center in her chest, but was saved by her Kevlar vest, which had a steel, ceramic-coated plate over her sternum designed to protect the heart and vital organs. The impact knocked her off of her feet however despite her obvious pain she quickly got right back up and hit the emergency button that activated a very strong pop up barricade, which stopped and disabled the terrorist’s vehicle.
Then, as he was going for a rifle he brought with him, she shot him to death. He never made it past the gate.
by: The Associated PressPosted: May 3, 2020 / 06:18 PM PDT / Updated: May 3, 2020 / 06:18 PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco’s police chief said the city’s rank and file will wear neutral face coverings to diffuse a controversy that was sparked when officers sent to patrol a May Day protest wore masks adorned with the “thin blue line” flag.
The police union ordered and distributed the masks emblazoned with black-and-white American flag with a blue stripe across the middle. The symbol is associated with the Blue Lives Matter movement, a display of unity among police officers in response to the national Black Lives Matter movement.
In an email, Chief Bill Scott told his officers Friday he considered the blue flag and stripe “a meaningful expression to honor fallen officers.” However, he worried that some may perceive the symbol as “divisive and respectful.”
A retired civil rights lawyer told the San Francisco Chronicle the masks, which also includes the logo for the San Francisco Police Officers Association, violate a long-standing policy that bars police from expressing political opinions while wearing their uniforms.
“The thin blue line is a political symbol,” John Crew said. “And it’s a POA-branded mask. It’s like wearing a political button.”
The police union president, Tony Montoya, said the union had shown the masks to Scott’s command staff, and several of them had asked for more than one. The blue line “represents law enforcement’s separation of order and chaos,” he said.
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School resource officer ends career with sirens, signs, swarm of well-wishers
FAIRFIELD — The horns kept honking Tuesday afternoon.
They were followed by a bevy of police sirens and flashing lights. A fire engine was also in the parade honoring Fairfield Police Officer Joe Holecek, who retires Thursday after serving with the Fairfield Police Department for 25 years.
Holecek for the past nine years was a school resource officer at Rodriguez High School, the site of the social distancing celebration, complete with congratulatory signs, some cards and gifts.
Holecek passed on sitting under a canopy and waving. He stood on the warm pavement handing out commemorative baseball cards – featuring himself. There were also Fairfield Police Department stickers for those who wanted. Matt Babbino was one of the first to arrive. He’s a campus monitor at the school. “Joe, he loved the kids,” Babbino said. “He helped them. He made a point to help them.”
Holecek told staff at the beginning of the school year he was going to retire. There was some chatter about a celebration, Babbino said. The Covid-19 pandemic put a damper on that. “For myself, I’ll miss Joe,” Babbino said. “I didn’t want to miss this.” Rodriguez’s student of the year Cyril Osifo-Doe also offered praise for Holecek. Like Babbino, he said he could not miss the event. Amanda Inabnett, a 2018 Rodriguez graduate, spoke on how Holecek helped her through high. “He kicked my butt when I was failing,” she said. The two talk often, Inabnett said. Holecek is more of a father figure to her, she said. Holecek calls her “one of his school daughters.”
Holecek had planned on staying on the job through June, to help with high school graduation. He started as a community resource officer with Fairfield police. With no school through the end of the year, he decided it was time to step down. His first “retirement” joy? “Sleeping until 8 a.m. ” He woke up at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to start a 7 a.m. shift. There are plans to travel to Disneyland in late November or early December. “We’ll see,” he said of those plans.
A bevy of vehicles made their way through the school parking lot Tuesday. Holecek stood by the Mustang statue, representing the school’s mascot. Kris Corey, superintendent of the Fairfield-Suisun School District, drove the “pace car.” “All right, let the parade begin,” she shouted.
Holecek clapped for his fellow officers when the police vehicles drove by. Some of them used their public address systems to address him, including an officer who scored a baseball card and sticker. “I’ve never gotten a sticker from Joe,” he said. Holecek called the event “amazing.” “It makes you realize how many people appreciate you,” he said.
Principal Clarence Isadore declared the event a success, noting he raised the bar in retirement parties. “Take note,” he said with a smile.
Delivering Hand Sanitizer to Local LE Agencies
Our club has been busy this week orchestrating a large-scale acquisition of hand sanitizer for ALL law enforcement agencies in need within Solano and Yolo Counties. This was made possible by a $5,000 donation from Travis Credit Union; medical grade sanitizer bottles donated by Genentech; and production of sanitizer by Heretic Brewing Company. We are so thankful for the support of local businesses to make this possible. We started delivering sanitizer to all the agencies in need on Friday– socially distanced, of course!
Valero commits $100,000 to Area COVID-19 Fight
Funding to provide support for community response efforts
Valero and the Valero Energy Foundation are committing $100,000 to support local organizations on the front lines of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The support is part of an overall $1.8 million commitment to help people most in need primarily in cities where the company operates. In addition, Valero also is providing gas cards to selected charitable organizations to provide access to essential fuels and products for their operations.
“The health and the safety of our employees, our families and our communities are critically important,” said Joe Gorder, Valero Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We are blessed to be able to continue supporting our community partners as we all work together to overcome this extraordinary situation.”
Some of the local organizations receiving funding include:
- Benicia Community Action Council will receive funding to continue providing services for their clients and Valero fuel cards for volunteers who deliver meals to community members.
- Families in Transition will receive funding to continue providing services for their clients.
- Florence Douglas Senior Center will receive Valero fuel cards to assist their volunteers who deliver meals to senior citizens.
- Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano County will receive funding to continue providing services for their clients.
- Meals on Wheels of Solano County will receive Valero fuel cards to assist their volunteers who deliver meals to senior citizens in Solano County.
- Society of St. Vincent De Paul – St. Dominic’s Chapter will receive funding to continue providing services for their clients.
The Benicia Unified School District also is receiving funding. “Valero along with the Valero Energy Foundation want to make sure organizations on the front lines have the resources they need to be able to continue to provide vital services,” said Don Wilson, Vice President and General Manager, Valero Benicia Refinery. “We appreciate these organizations and others for continuing to take care of our community.”
By Richard Winton
Los Angeles Times
SANTA ROSA, Calif. — A Santa Rosa police detective who was among the first infected with coronavirus in the department has died, officials announced Tuesday.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a member of our SRPD family, Detective Marylou Armer. Marylou has faithfully served our community in the Santa Rosa Police Department for the past 20 years,” the department said in a statement.
The department, which memorialized the loss on its social media accounts, added: “Marylou was one of the first employees to test positive for COVID-19 and today succumbed to complications from the illness. Our hearts are with the family and Marylou will be deeply missed.”
Coronavirus is spreading in police departments nationally. The New York police announced that 1,048 officers and 145 civilian employees have tested positive for the coronavirus. Five of the department staff have died. Of those positive, 17 have recovered and returned to the job. As of Tuesday, 15.6% of the department’s officers are out sick. The Los Angeles police department continues to test more of its 13,000 employees, and nearly 30 have tested positive. Four are department leaders. Police Chief Michel Moore and his commanders have planned out scenarios in which up to 30% and perhaps even half of the department calls in sick. These are worst-case scenarios, and officials do not think it will get that bad.
Officers in many locations this week began switching to 12-hour shifts to bolster the number on patrol and to provide security at eight homeless shelters. The department has already transferred hundreds of detectives to patrol functions. Moore said that in the last few weeks the department had entirely mobilized. Vacation days have been canceled, unnecessary assignments and operations have been put aside, and everyone has been assigned to concentrate on essential public safety functions.
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Back in the Day: Suisun City’s Charles H. Lee Jr.’s federal law enforcement career: Part 1
By Tony Wade
Suisun City resident Charles H. Lee Jr., 66, retired 12 years ago from more than 39 years of federal law enforcement.
The bulk of that includes 28 years in various management and leadership roles with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, as well as stints with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Office of Inspector General. He began his long career in public service as a clerk with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and has many (unclassified) stories to tell.
Lee grew up a military brat and lived in numerous places, including Texas and Georgia, before coming to California. The biggest influence in his life was his father and namesake Charles H. Lee Sr., who was a U.S. Army veteran, minister and a civil rights activist who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. King’s children were classmates of Lee and his younger brother.
The racism that was institutionalized in Jim Crow segregationist legislation in the South was a reality for Lee. He was born in 1953 at Houston Negro Hospital. His father constantly fought for the constitutional rights of African-Americans and taught his children to stand up for themselves.
“I never used a colored bathroom or drank from a colored water fountain. If a building had both, we went to the white bathroom,” Lee said. “One time an older white man asked me what the hell I was doing in there. I told him to talk to the big (well, stout) man outside with a suit on.”
Lee’s family moved to San Francisco when he was 11. “My first day of school in San Francisco everybody was there. White, black, Asian, Mexican, mixed race – there were Filipino kids and I had never seen Filipinos before. It was definitely a culture shock, but in a good way,” Lee said.
Lee’s father set a high bar for his three children. They went to Toastmasters International to learn public speaking and both Lee and his brother are Eagle Scouts. Lee was the first black Eagle Scout in Bay View Hunters Point. “My dad drilled into me that being as good as someone else was not good enough – you had to be better and prove that you were indispensable. That’s what I set out to do in my career,” Lee said.
How Lee came to work for the FBI is stranger than fiction.
The FBI had a file on his father, as they did on many black activists whom FBI director J. Edgar Hoover considered communist subversives. An agent who was assigned to tail his father later actually befriended him after Hoover’s death. It was that agent who suggested to Lee’s father that he nudge his son to join the agency as a file clerk and later be fast-tracked to become an agent.
So at 19 Lee gave up his janitorial and dish-washing jobs to work for the FBI. After obtaining his degree, Lee worked as an investigative assistant and would do surveillance on known KGB and GRU agents here. He applied to the FBI as well as municipal police departments, but found a home at the Naval Investigate Service, now called NCIS. The cases he worked on ran the gamut from fraud to drugs to counterintelligence to murder and more.
One of his most memorable cases inspired the movie “A Few Good Men.”
“That was a real investigation. I wasn’t at Guantanamo (Bay detention camp in Cuba – where the incident happened), I was at headquarters and had to monitor the case and write the prosecutor’s summary. There were things going on at the base that the leadership wanted to cover up and one Marine wouldn’t go along with the program,” Lee said. “So the lieutenant ordered a ‘code red’ and his fellow Marines took him into a broom closet and beat the crap out of him. In real life he didn’t die like in the movie, but they stuck a sock down his throat, beat him up badly and ruptured his esophagus.”
Years later when Lee saw the film, he sat with his eyes wide and mouth open. He had no idea how the story had leaked. According to Wikipedia, “A Few Good Men” writer Aaron Sorkin found out about the case from his sister, who had done a stint with the Navy Judge Advocate General’s office and defended the Marines charged with assaulting their colleague. “Normally that kind of thing would have caused the biggest stir, but strangely no one called me or said anything,” Lee said.
By JOEL ROSENBAUM | jrosenbaum@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter March 28, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.
From an early age, Vacaville Police Sgt. Dave Spencer wanted to be a police officer. It’s in his blood. Spencer followed in the footsteps of his father, who worked for the Hercules Police Department, and who retired as a Lieutenant in 1994. Growing up in Fairfield, he started his career in law enforcement as a cadet with the Fairfield Police Department, before getting hired as a reserve officer with the Hercules Police Department at the age of 18.
After graduating from the Napa Valley Police Academy at 19, he looked for an agency that would take a chance on a young officer and the Pinole Police Department gave him an opportunity. He was hired by the department in 1998 and moved to Vacaville to raise his family. “Vacaville took a chance on me on ’98 and we went from there,” he said.
During his 22-year career with the department, Spencer has worked as a patrol officer, K9 handler, a detective with the Crime Suppression Team and finally promoted to sergeant in January of 2015.
“This job had been a lot of fun to me, I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie, I like the high-speed movements of law enforcement. The chase, find the bad guy thing. I am always usually on the front lines of that kind of stuff.”
Some of his best memories on the job were his time as a K9 handler, working with his four-legged partner, Vito.
“When the guys look at the dog coming out of a backyard with the bad guy they’ve been searching for… nothing better than a feeling of pulling that bad guy out for these guys and they say, “Ah man, that dog is great.”
He has also passed along the love of police work to his sons. His oldest, Cole, started as a cadet in the Vacaville Police, and is now himself a K9 handler with the department like his father. His youngest son, Gaige, 20 is about to enter the police academy.
While his father can’t supervise him, the two Spencers will often end up on the same calls together. Cole recalls hearing a suspect say, “Oh no, it’s Big Spencer and Little Spencer.”
Vacaville Police Chief John Carli has taken note of Spencer’s compassion for people both in the city and the department. “The thing is most impressive that I will miss about him is his compassion for people. It isn’t just out in the community, I watch him as a supervisor taking care of the details in the department and the people that are on his shift and out on duty,” Carli said. “He is a compassionate person that really understands the meaning and the purpose behind the service of being a police officer.” “Guys like Dave Spencer are truly destined to be police officers,” Carli commented. “He was one of those people that is in the right calling. He will be missed, not only as a street cop but as a supervisor. I may the chief of police but I am privileged to call him my friend.”
Since his promotion five years ago, mentoring young officers have been among Spencer’s most cherished memories. He sat in his office Wednesday counting off the endless number of officers who he has worked with that have now moved on to specialized units within the department.
“My team worked really well together. I take a lot of pride in getting those guys where they needed to be. They do their own work, but it important for me to go to bat for them,” Spencer said. “I thought being a front-line supervisor, going out and commanding scenes would be the fun part, but mentoring the young kids has been the most enjoyable to me. I wish it wasn’t so hard for me to leave, it would make it easier to walk away from here if I was unhappy or disgruntled. I am going miss the people,” he said tearing up. “Not many people get to work with their son as closely as I got to work with Cole. I am very proud of him.”
Even with the current social distancing guidelines, Spencer still is planning on the department’s traditional walkout ceremony, with all the congratulatory hugs being virtual or replaced with elbow bumps.
“It’s tough leaving this organization right now because of the uncertainty of what’s going on with this whole thing, but I know they’re in good hands. I am walking out on my terms.”
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By Tina Moore, Larry Celona and Ruth Weissmann
An NYPD detective died after contracting coronavirus — the first officer to succumb to the disease. The 48-year-old crime fighter, identified as Cedric Dixon, worked in the 32nd Precinct in Harlem, officials said. The 23-year veteran cop passed away Saturday morning at North Central Bronx Hospital, where he was admitted Wednesday with flu-like symptoms, police sources told The Post.
“I can tell you that I’ve spoken to many of his friends and coworkers since this morning, and he was known as the person that would do anything to help you,” said NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea at a press conference Saturday. “If you had something broken, he was particularly fond of fixing technology and electronics.” “He is going to be so sorely missed.” “He was a very good cop,” said a fellow officer who worked alongside Dixon in The Bronx’s 40 Precinct. “Great personality.”
More than 500 members of New York’s Finest have now tested positive for the virus—and more than 11% of the force had called out sick, officials said. “For first responders, you just don’t often have the opportunity to isolate. You go to the danger,” Shea said Saturday.
“We are first responders, we are at a higher exposure rate than others and it is very difficult and uncharted borders for us,” echoed Detectives’ Endowment Association head Paul DiGiacomo. “But we are out there doing the best job we can and this exemplifies what we are known for, the greatest detectives in the world, and Detective Dixon will always be known as the greatest detective in the world.”
Police departments from across that state stood in solidarity with the NYPD Saturday.
Pat serves our community with the utmost pride and professionalism. He serves as the lead on our Urban Search & Rescue Team and assists with improving the policies and practices that keep first responders safe.
Pat was born and raised here in Vallejo and is grateful to get to serve our incredible community.
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Giovannetti at the awards luncheon for Murtazah Ghaznawi.
Congratulations to Corporal Murtazah Ghaznawi for being named the 2019 Police Officer of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Concord!
Cpl. Murtazah Ghaznawi was born and raised in the City of Concord. A graduate of Ygnacio Valley High School, he always had a dream of making a difference in his community. He knew that the best and most effective way he could do that would be to pursue a career in law enforcement. He started off as a police intern at the Concord Police Department for 2 years before being sworn in as a full-time Police Officer.
This year, community leaders in Concord’s Afghan community reached out to the Concord Police Department for assistance during Ramadan. Cpl. Ghaznawi acted as the liaison, facilitating extra patrols during their evening prayers and checking in periodically to make sure all of their needs were met. They were so thankful for his efforts and the department as a whole that they showed their gratitude with a lunch celebration.
Cpl. Ghaznawi oversees the California Office of Traffic Safety Grant for the City of Concord Police Department. He manages and coordinates several Impaired Driving operations as well as various other directed enforcement operations to help make our streets safer for the public.
Cpl. Ghaznawi maintains very close relationships with the administration at various elementary schools in Concord. He personally provides morning and afternoon traffic enforcement at these schools when his busy schedule permits to ensure the safety of children, parents and staff. He is always the first to volunteer for school events that educate children on traffic safety. He knows the positive impact that law enforcement had on him as a child and his mission is to do the same for today’s youth.
There is no mistaking that infectious smile that Cpl. Ghaznawi has on his face on a daily basis. He is a true protector of the people, an advocate for victims, and a friend to all.
Concord Police Department: Critical Incident Video Release – Officer Involved Shooting 12-1-2019 (Graphic Details: Viewer Discretion Advised)
By NICK SESTANOVICH | nsestanovich@thereporter.com | PUBLISHED:
December 5, 2019 at 4:52 pm | UPDATED: December 6, 2019 at 4:04 pm
Four Vacaville police officers were among those honored by Kaiser Permanente at the annual First Responders Awards, which celebrates the dedication that paramedics, police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians employ on a daily basis in the Napa/Solano area.
Sgt. Adam Senf and officers Nick Crigger, Kenny Meek and Erwin Ramirez were honored for an incident that occurred back in March where they rescued a man threatening to jump off the roof of a local grocery store.
Senf told The Reporter that the Police Department received a report of a man on top of the Lucky Supermarket on Peabody Road with a cable around his neck and the intention to jump off. Senf said that Meek and Crigger were the first officers to respond, and they communicated with the man until the Hostage Negotiations Team arrived. Ramirez negotiated with the subject, and Senf — who supervises the Hostage Negotiations Team — provided assistance. For two hours, they attempted to get the man down, but he would not cooperate, Senf said. Eventually, Senf and Ramirez were able to get close enough to safely remove the man from the ledge and cut the cable.
Senf said officers felt grateful afterward that the situation was resolved peacefully. “(We were) relieved he didn’t hurt himself, nobody was injured and we were able to get him the medical care he needed,” he said. Senf said the award was a great honor and noted that first responders are a vital component of handling any crisis. “We’re the first contact with the person,” he said. “It’s important for us to establish that initial communication and being a calming influence on them so they don’t do anything rash.”
Each year, Kaiser asks the community to nominate local EMS providers who saved a life or multiple lives, work closely with health care providers to ensure safety or are dedicated to community efforts that focus on injury prevention. The community responded with numerous stories of those who work to save lives or help prevent injuries.
“In emergencies, seconds count, and first responders make decisions that safeguard human life in those vital moments after an accident or unexpected health challenge,” Nor Jemjemian, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in the Napa/Solano area, said in a statement. “Sometimes, those decisions involve great personal risk and sacrifice. We are grateful to these dedicated professionals who serve our community so valiantly, and we are thankful to their loved ones for supporting them in doing so.”
Chris Walker, Kaiser’s physician in chief for the Napa/Solano area, also highlighted the importance of first responders. “First responders are such a critical part of our communities and play an essential role in keeping us safe,” he said in a statement. “As Solano County’s designated level II trauma center, we see some of the most critically injured patients in the area — many of whom would not have survived if not for the excellent care of the first responders in the field.”
Also honored were Winters Police Officer — and Solano County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain — Robert Duvall and his crisis intervention-trained K9 Kepi for their efforts to provide crisis intervention assistance to first responders, hospital staff and victims in time of emotional need; and Paramedic Adriaan Jansen Van Vuuren and EMT Brad Bennett from Medic Ambulance as well as nurse Denise Voye, Paramedic James Garcia and pilot Chris Coulter from REACH 7 for their response to help victims of a multi-vehicle crash in Solano County.
Kaiser also donated $5,000 to the 10-33 Foundation, which serves emergency services workers through pre-incident training, post-incident crisis intervention services and followup assistance.
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If you are interested in more podcasts from Force of Law, this is their website: https://split.simplecast.com/episodes/the-line
Science has identified common threads in school shootings
By Vern Pierson, Special to CalMatters
Understandably, we will hear a call to action in response to the shooting that left two young people dead at Saugus High School.
One political tribe will extend its thoughts and prayers and the other will demand sensible gun control. In a matter of days, the rhetoric and, sadly, the memory of the event, will slip from the headlines. At least until it happens again.
The problem of mass shootings is not simple. An actual solution will not be simple either, but we can mitigate the threat by analyzing the commonality in mass shooters.
Consider that most elected officials and every corporation of consequence is protected by the employment of multidisciplinary teams trained in threat assessment.
These teams analyze behaviors such as threats posted on social media or those conveyed to third parties. These teams rely not on political talking points, but on scientifically validated behavioral analysis. Yet inexplicably, in most jurisdictions, our children are not protected by this approach. This needs to change.
Criminologists Jillian Peterson and James Densley have been seeking data-driven prevention strategies.
Their research has looked at all mass shootings involving four or more deaths since 1966, and all shootings in workplaces, schools, and places of worship shootings since 1999. Their data reveal four commonalities among perpetrators of these mass shooters:
- First, these mass shooters had early childhood trauma and exposure to violence at an early age.
- Second, practically every mass shooter they studied had reached an identifiable crisis point in the weeks or months leading up to the shooting.
- Third, most of the shooters had studied the actions of other shooters and sought validation for their motives.
- Fourth, the shooters all had the means to carry out their plans. For example, in 80% of school shootings, perpetrators got their weapons from family members.
Similarly, the Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center released its 2019 annual report this month analyzing mass shooters for commonality. The findings showed that two-thirds had a history of mental health symptoms, including depression, suicidal tendencies or psychosis.
Nearly all had a significant life stressor within five years and made threatening communications. Three-fourths elicited concern from others prior to the attack. Research by the FBI finds the same commonalities.
Despite this, the media and many politicians seem to view each mass shooter as unique. They are not. Their focus ignores the commonalities and instead centers on the identification of the individual’s motive.
These actors and their narrative, be it INCEL, white nationalism, religious extremism or ideology, should be viewed as pieces of a larger puzzle. Rather than staring at the individual actor trying to understand him, we need to examine them in the broader context for commonality with other attackers.
The Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, the FBI, and criminologists such as Peterson and Densely know that we can save lives by identifying and managing threats in a coordinated, behavior focused, multi-disciplinary approach.
The science informs us that regardless of the narrative or motive, in nearly every instance other persons knew some details of a planned attack.
We need a coordinated system of information gathering, including anonymous reporting, as well as public awareness of the need to say something when people become aware of concerning behavior.
Every regional jurisdiction must possess a multidisciplinary threat management plan to analyze concerning behaviors. These teams must use behavior driven standardized criteria based on science. Recognizing the commonality with childhood trauma, these teams must make certain that children receive evidence based services.
Some ideas put forward by Peterson and Densely to prevent future mass shootings: potential shooting sites can be made less accessible with visible security measures such as metal detectors and police officers.
They suggest weapons need to be better controlled, through age restrictions, permit-to-purchase licensing, universal background checks, safe storage campaigns and red-flag laws, measures that help control firearm access for vulnerable individuals or people in crisis.
Peterson and Densely also suggest that we try to make it more difficult for potential perpetrators to find validation for their planned actions by pointing to media campaigns like #nonotoriety which seeks to starve perpetrators of the oxygen of publicity and by looking at how we consume, produce, and distribute violent content on media and social media.
The crisis of mass shootings and school shootings is complex. But there also are common threads. Our solutions should be grounded in science not hyperbole.
Vern Pierson is El Dorado County District Attorney, and a board member of the California District Attorneys Association, vern.pierson@edcgov.us. He wrote this commentary for CalMatters.
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By JIM SMITH | jsmith@dailydemocrat.com | Woodland Daily Democrat
PUBLISHED: November 5, 2019 at 7:43 am | UPDATED: November 5, 2019 at 11:59 am
Newly sworn Woodland Police Chief Derrek Kaff called on his staff and officers to use innovative solutions and new strategies for solving crimes and maintaining good community relations. Speaking before around 100 people in the parking lot of the Police Department on east Lincoln Avenue, Kaff said there is a “deep pool of talent in our ranks” that will help find solutions “to the problems we’re facing today. If we don’t try new strategies to law enforcement we’ll become irrelevant and ineffective. This is why we will be innovative and creative in our approach to public safety.”
Kaff was officially sworn in to the position he has been managing since the resignation of former chief Luis Soler in mid-July, who had served since June 2017. Kaff was named to the chief’s position by City Manager Paul Navazio in mid-October. The Monday afternoon ceremony was attended by law enforcement officials from throughout Yolo County as well as those from the California Highway Patrol and even the FBI. There was also a large contingent of Woodland firefighters present as well as Woodland and county public officials, Woodland school trustees, and former chiefs, including Dan Bellini and Del Hanson.
The contrast between Soler’s swearing-in and that of Kaff’s was notable. Soler took office during a ceremony held at the Community & Senior Center. Kaff’s was held outdoors in the department’s parking lot because it represents the area where local law enforcement originates. It was also done so firefighters could bring their engines and remain on call throughout the event. As flocks of birds nesting in the arbor of the department kept up a steady musical sonnet, Kaff said his department would be “collaborative with our partners in the criminal justice system and in the community at large. “I challenge our staff, our partners and the community to be creative,” he said. “Look at the challenges we face, and come up with creative solutions. Not all of your ideas will work but if the solution is legal, ethical and morally pure we should give it a try. This is the best job in the whole world. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Kaff was officially sworn in by Yolo County Superior Court Judge David Rosenberg, who questioned why the city didn’t know about a 4:15 p.m. train that was rumbling by to the east and issued a series of whistles as it crossed nearby intersections. Navazio promised he didn’t arrange for the distraction. Pinning on Kaff’s badge was his wife Patty, whom Kaff thanked for her “strength and grace” over the years. He also apologized to his children for using police interrogation procedures on them while they were growing up but said he thought it helped them turn out all right.
In introducing Kaff, Navazio said “it wasn’t that long ago that I stood before you and introduced a new police chief for the department and the community. That was two years, 145 days ago exactly. A lot has happened since June 17 (when Soler resigned) and I can’t tell you how happy I am and how honored I am to be here today to preside over the swearing-in of a 19-year veteran of the Woodland Police Department to serve as our next police chief.” Navazio specifically referred to Hanson and Bellini, both of who would “testify to the hiring Derrek, the high degree of professionalism, leadership qualities and potential to ascend to the position of police chief.” Navazio also thanked Soler for making Kaff deputy chief and for asking he be sent to the FBI academy. “I didn’t realize at the time how important succession planning was,” joked Navazio. “In the end, I’m very convinced that Chief Kaff is capable and qualified but in many ways has never been so well prepared to take over the leadership of the Woodland Police Department as you are today.”
Woodland Mayor Xochitl Rodriguez agreed with Navazio’s sentiments and thought having the ceremony outdoors was a great idea. “You’ve been well prepared for this post,” she added. “We’ve had a smooth transition since you came in as police chief and I’ve heard nothing but great things from our community members, of all the events you’ve attended. That makes me as a mayor and the City Council very proud to have you here. I know we’re going to see a bright future ahead with the department and we’re here to support you. We want you to know that anything you need we will help you get. We want to equip you with the tools you need.” Kaff said he was “excited but humbled to be given this opportunity.” “I came here 19 years ago and did a ride-along,” he said, noting that Los Angeles with its 10,000 officers is different from Woodland. “I thought the officers were tactically sound, but it was the way they interacted with the community that really sold me on Woodland. I’ve formed lifelong friendships with people in the community. I’ve celebrated the successes we’ve had and I’ve mourned our tragedies … As you know, police officers and firefighters deal with tragedies in an up-close and personal fashion. This is why I wanted to have this swearing-in in this parking lot. This is the one location in the city where all three fire engines can make it …This really is a family, police and fire. And I really value the support of both our officers and our firefighters.”
He said that police today are coming up with solutions to problems that can’t be handled through incarceration. “An officer’s word is not always good enough to get a conviction anymore. Juries today demand evidence, video or forensic evidence before they will give a guilty verdict,” he noted. “When I started there were no body cameras, there was no digital evidence and there was no space on social media where my actions would get discussed,” he continued. “The challenges that our officers deal with today are very different than when I was on the streets. However, I know our staff and I know our law enforcement partners and you are in very good hands. This is why we train very hard. We equip very well, and we have strong policies and good working relationships in Yolo County.”
Kaff joined the department as a police officer in 2000, having begun his career with the Los Angeles Police Department. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in 2002 and sergeant in 2003. In 2009 he was promoted to lieutenant, was assigned responsibility for the Patrol Division through 2015, and subsequently managed the Investigations Division into 2016. In January 2016, Kaff was promoted to captain by then-Chief Bellini. As captain, Kaff was responsible for planning and coordinating the work of all of the divisions within the Police Department as well as ensuring effective coordination with regional law enforcement partners.
Earlier this year, Kaff was invited to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, making him among a select group of law enforcement professionals from across the country, nominated by their local, county, state and federal agencies, to participate in the 10-week academy.
Kaff is a native of Granada Hills and received an associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Sierra Community College in Rocklin and a bachelor of science degree in sociology from Arizona State University. At the LAPD, Kaff worked patrol, narcotics, and traffic. While a member of that department, he was awarded the Century Award by MADD for arresting more than 100 DUI drivers within a one-year time span. The Woodland Police Department has more than 80 full-time personnel, including 64 sworn officers, 15 non-sworn staff and 67 volunteers with a budget of $18.57 million.
From: John W. Donlevy, Jr., City Manager,
City of Winters
The murders of Sacramento Officer Tara O’Sullivan and Davis Officer Natalie Corona were brought to reality for me over the past week with the amazing funeral for Officer O’Sullivan on Thursday and a chance for me to meet the parents of Officer Corona last week in Davis. The shattering of such bright futures and potential which would have undoubtedly have made incredible contributions to the law enforcement community is just heart breaking and hits to the core on the violence which exists in our society and is faced by law enforcement daily.
On Friday of last week (the day following the murder of Officer Tara O’Sullivan), I participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run from the Davis Police Station to the ARC Arena at UC Davis. Leading the procession and the first torch bearers were Merced and Lupe Corona, the parents of slain Davis Officer Natalie Corona. They were the nicest, most affable people, joking with the officers and laughing about Natalie’s affinity for running. They brought strength and resolve to all the officers present. They were absolutely wonderful!
One thing I noticed were the many females participating in the run and how young they all looked. I asked who they were (thinking they were relatives of some of the officers) and I learned that they were either new officers or cadets! First, I felt really old (everyone seems to look really young these days), but mostly I was encouraged to see the motivation of these young female officers coming into law enforcement. As we did the run, they had a number of chants and you could hear these young officers yelling loud and exuding pride and enthusiasm for their chosen profession. It was inspiring!
The tragedies of both Tara and Natalie are simply unconscionable, but there is no question that they will be the heroic symbols to motivate the growing next generation of female officers who will choose to lead from the front in our public safety future. Law enforcement has yearned to recruit women into the ranks for many years and we are now seeing it grow even in the shadows of the recent tragedies.
From tragedy springs eternal hope and without question, the legacies of Tara and Natalie will be our law enforcement future.
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Event: Peña Adobe Historical Society Welcomes Solano County Sheriff’s Posse and K9 Unit, Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.!
By Peña Adobe Historical Society
The Solano County Sheriff’s Posse has enjoyed a long-standing tradition of service with the Sheriff’s Office since 1947. Comprised of citizens who volunteer their time in the service of their community, each year members of the Sheriff’s Posse contribute thousands of hours of their time, the use of their horses and their equipment in support of the Sheriff’s Office. Members of the Sheriff’s Posse attend numerous community events each year as ambassadors for the Sheriff and as an example of how beneficial partnerships with the community can be for law enforcement.
Joining the Sheriff’s Posse at Peña Adobe will be the Solano County Sheriff’s K9 Unit! Established in 2002, the Solano County Sheriff’s Office K9 Teams participate in public demonstrations, visit schools to promote drug awareness, and neighborhood watch meetings, as part of the Community Oriented Policing Program. K-9 Teams assigned to the Patrol Division are routinely called upon to assist in locating and apprehending fleeing criminal offenders, search vehicles for hidden narcotics/explosives, narcotic related search warrants, and to assist local, state and federal agencies.
Come to the Peña Adobe Historical Park, bring a picnic lunch and meet the members of the Sheriff’s K9 Unit and Posse and see their amazing canine teams and horses! Learn the important role horses played when the Peña and Vaca families were raising cattle on their ranch on what was to become the city of Vacaville. Bring a picnic and enjoy the music of the McBride Acoustic Jammers under the direction of Terry and Leslie Cloper! The Jammers sing and play a variety of instruments including the guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and harmonica. They meet the first and third Wednesday of the month at the McBride Senior Center at 91 Townsquare in downtown Vacaville.
Park docents will be available to lead tours of the Peña Adobe, California historical landmark #534 built by the Peña family in 1842. The park is located at 4966 Pena Adobe Road in Vacaville’s rural southwest section just off of Interstate 80 to the left of the Lagoon Valley Park entrance. Volunteers from the Peña Adobe Historical Society open the Adobe and the Museum for visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the first Saturday of the month, February thru December, free of charge! If you have an interest in local history, or questions, call (707) 447-0518 or e-mail us at penaadobe@gmail.com and come join us at this gateway to Vacaville!
06/01/2019
11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Pena Adobe Park Off Interstate 80, Vacaville, 95687
Pena Adobe Historical Society
(707) 447-0518
penaadobe@gmail.com
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The CHP Memorial Wall Foundation and CHP – Golden Gate Division will be hosting the 7th Annual CHP Memorial Ceremony on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at 10 a.m. This ceremony honors the lives and legacy of the 39 CHP Officers who died in the line of duty while assigned to the San Francisco Bay Area. Congressman Mike Thompson will join Chief Ernie Sanchez as they pay respect to the family members of these heroic CHP Offices who sacrificed their lives for the safety of others. Members of the press are invited to attend; however, we ask that they arrive at 9:15 a.m. to set up their equipment well in advance of this event. This ceremony will take place at 1551 Benicia Road, Vallejo, California 94591.
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Winters Police Department joins county-wide memorial
by Emma Johnson
The Winters Police Department honored deceased police officer City Marshall William Rice as part a Yolo County event honoring officers killed in the line of duty on Thursday, May 16.
To date City Marshall Rice is the only Winters Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty. He died by gunfire in October of 1912.
Rice was shot while attempting to disarm an intoxicated man brandishing a shotgun. According to a post published on the Winters Police Department’s Facebook page, Rice approached the man because he had been able to reason with him on previous occasions. While attempting to enter the intoxicated man’s residence, Rice was shot in the chest.
The perpetrator was arrested when he stepped out into the street to reload. He was later convicted of Rice’s murder.
Rice was survived by Alice Rice, his wife of six years, and their 14-month-old son.
The non-profit 100 Club of Yolo and Solano Counties supports the families of public safety officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty with immediate financial assistance. This program also mentors young adults and provides scholarships for the children of fallen officers. Chaplain Robert Duvall and Canine Unit Kepi are part of the local 100 Club team.
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Body cam footage of Napa County deputy shooting suspect who fired at her:
Click here.
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Dixon sergeant, officers to receive lifesaving awards
By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter
PUBLISHED: February 9, 2019 at 6:19 pm | UPDATED: February 9, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Three Dixon police officers described as going above and beyond the call of duty are slated to receive lifesaving awards. Sgt. Joe Strickland and Officers Gabe Hollingshead and Ken Warren will be honored by the Dixon City Council at its Tuesday meeting.
On Jan. 5, the three men responded to a report of a suicidal man. Aided by Solano County dispatchers, they tracked his cell phone to a potential location in Dixon and found him inside a parked vehicle on Gateway Drive. The windows were up, officials said, and a gas generator was running in the backseat, filling the car with carbon monoxide. The officers made entry into the vehicle and pulled the unconscious, barely breathing victim out, tending to him until medics arrived.
The man later expressed his thanks in a letter.
“It is hard to put my feelings into words and find the correct words that can even come close to expressing my gratitude, regret, embarrassment and sorrow I feel,” he wrote, in a statement provided by the Police Department. “I know I owe you my life…”
The victim said he had sought help from mental health professionals. “They are working to help me heal, to understand my actions, and prevent this from ever occurring again,” he continued.
The public is invited to the meeting, at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the City Council Chamber, 600 East A St., to witness the officers receive the Chief’s Commendation for Excellence.
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By KIMBERLY K. FU | kfu@thereporter.com | Vacaville Reporter
PUBLISHED: February 8, 2019 at 6:50 pm | UPDATED: February 9, 2019 at 2:25 pm
You could say that Steve Clemente is well-versed in Solano County corrections. From three years with the Probation Department and Juvenile Hall to the past 16 years with the Sheriff’s Office, it’s no wonder that he’s able to work with both youths and adults. And likely why he was named Correctional Officer of the Year for the Sheriff’s Office.
“I was happy and excited,” he said Friday, of learning about the honor. He added that he’s also surprised, as he just strives every day to do his job well. “I like what I do. It’s different every day,” he shared.
Clemente ended up at the Sheriff’s Office in a roundabout way. His dad was a police officer in Vallejo and he at first thought that was his niche. But that was the 1990s, and not a lot of police departments were hiring. So he found another way in to public safety. He served as a legal procedures clerk with county probation, but the fit just wasn’t there. So he moved on to Juvenile Hall and worked with youths. When a correctional officer opportunity popped up at the Sheriff’s Office, he signed on and never looked back.
He served as a classification officer for four years and is now a jail training officer and PREA Instructor/Investigator. It’s a great job with a great climate, he joked. “Inside it’s 70 degrees all the time,” he explained with a smile.
For those thinking of entering corrections, he advises they take the job seriously from the get go. “”Corrections isn’t for everyone,” he warned. “You shouldn’t look at it like a stepping stone.” In working with inmates, initial firmness is important. “”Your best friend is ‘no,’” he said. “You have to start hard. You can go soft later. You have to be firm at first or they won’t respect you,” he continued.
Off the clock, he’s a family man and baseball enthusiast. He coaches baseball at Fairfield High and once played, himself. Thanks to his bosses and flexible scheduling, he’s able to continue coaching duties. “We’re just practicing now,” he advised. “The season starts around the end of March.”
Clemente gives kudos to his peers and bosses for his achievements. “I just thank the sheriff’s department for all the opportunities they’ve given me,” he said.
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BREAKING: Davis police officer shot and killed; suspect dead
By Lauren Keene, Enterprise
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This undated photo provided by the Newman Police Department shows officer Ronil Singh of Newman Police Department who was killed by a suspected drunk driver. The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department said Singh was conducting a traffic stop early Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018, in the town of Newman, Calif. when he called out “shots fired” over his radio. (Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department via AP)By the Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO — A suspected drunk driver accused of fatally shooting the California police officer who pulled him over was captured Friday as he tried to flee back to Mexico, where he lived before illegally crossing into the U.S., authorities said.
The sheriff whose agency was leading the investigation blamed California’s sanctuary law for preventing local authorities from reporting Perez Arriaga to federal immigration officials for previous arrests. If the suspect had been deported, he said, Cpl. Ronil Singh of the tiny Newman Police Department would still be alive. “We can’t ignore the fact that this could have been preventable,” Stanislaus County Sheriff Adam Christianson said, asking why the state was “providing sanctuary for criminals (and) gang members. It’s a conversation we need to have.”
Gustavo Perez Arriaga was arrested near Bakersfield, about 200 miles southeast of the scene of the shooting. He crossed the border in Arizona several years ago and had worked a variety of jobs as a laborer, including at several dairies. He also had two prior arrests for driving while intoxicated, Christianson said. The 33-year-old Mexico native had gang affiliations and multiple Facebook pages with different names, the sheriff said.
Authorities also arrested the suspect’s brother, 25-year-old Adrian Virgen, and a co-worker, 32-year-old Erik Razo Quiroz, who lied to police to try to protect him, Christianson said.
Christianson spoke at a news conference about making laws stricter as Singh’s brother wept beside him.
Singh, also 33, was an immigrant too, arriving legally from his native Fiji to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, authorities said. He had a newborn son and joined the 12-officer Newman police force in 2011. “He came to America with one purpose, and that was to serve this country,” Newman Police Chief Randy Richardson said, choking up. He called Singh an “American patriot.”
Singh, the department’s first officer to die in the line of duty, drove more than two hours each way to attend the police academy in Yuba City, Richardson said. He joined the Merced County sheriff’s office as a reserve officer and worked as an animal control officer in Turlock before being hired by the Newman force in 2011. English was Singh’s third language. He had a thick accent but took speech classes to improve his communication, the chief said.
The shooting on Wednesday came amid a political fight over immigration, with President Donald Trump and congressional Democrats at odds over funding for a border wall that has forced a partial government shutdown.
The arrest followed a statewide manhunt. When a gunfight broke out, Singh tried to defend himself but apparently did not hit the suspect, Christianson said.
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Father retires same day his son joins Vacaville police force
VACAVILLE — One of Vacaville Police Officer John Uldall’s last actions on the job was pinning a badge on the department’s newest officer, his son Eric Uldall, according to a social media post.
Eric Uldall was sworn-in Monday, two days after graduating from the Napa Valley College Criminal Justice Training Center. He earned his bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Sonoma State University.
John Uldall retired Monday after 25 years with the Vacaville Police Department.
Prior to joining the department, John Uldall served in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the presidential honor guard. He worked as a detective, range instructor and senior patrol officer during his years at the department.
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Owners of Suisun City brewery put
Resilience on tap
Proceeds of the beer, available Friday,
will benefit Camp Fire victims
Photo by Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter
Public safety and spirits have merged at a Suisun City brewery, where community is the bottom line.
The product of three public safety officials, True Symmetry Brewing Co. couldn’t resist a call for help for Camp Fire victims.
“Sierra Nevada sent out the email and my wife said, “What do you think,” said Jason Ledford, a Bart police officer and Vacaville resident who owns the brewery with his wife, Chasity, the tech supervisor at the Walnut Creek Police Department and Jessie Reinosa, a Vacaville firefighter/paramedic. “I said, heck yeah!.” There apparently was never a question. “We’re both in law enforcement and my (other) partner is a firefighter. This is the kind of thing we get behind.”
In a press release, Sierra Nevada put out a “bat signal” to local breweries asking them to brew “Resilience Butte County Proud IPA,” described as a fundraiser beer for Camp Fire relief. All proceeds would benefit Camp Fire victims and the company would refund breweries for materials. As of Saturday, Resilience was still fermenting and will be ready for drinking on Friday.
“I took a sip yesterday,” Jason Ledford admitted. “It tastes like Sierra Nevada put beer in here. That’s good.”
Helping people, Ledford said, is what he and his partners are all about. “I have 20 taps,” he emphasized. “I can use one for this.”
True Symmetry is the culmination of 20 years of home brewing. A fellow officer’s musings about it got him interested, thena home-brewing kit from his wife for Christmas one fateful year got the ball rolling. Since then, he’s taken a master brewer’s class in England, learned from Chris Miller at Berryessa Brewing Company and Jamil Zainasheff at Heretic Brewing Company and taken cues from Greenbelt Brewers Association of Davis. The new expertise lends to better beer, he said, and perhaps the assured longevity of his hobby-turned-second act.
It was meant to be the business he started in retirement, Ledford said, but the ball got rolling early. It’s become a family affair, with his dad lending a hand and his young daughter showing entrepreneurial skills by making slime and selling it to his customers. An added bonus — he grew up in Suisun, so it’s like coming home.
Ledford said he’ll start live music on Thursday and Resilience will be served Friday. Who knows what comes next? “I just want to sell it fast,” he said, of the beer. “People really need the money now.”
And, he’s having fun with his wife and good friend, making new ones and sharing his love of brewing. “We’ve run into such good people,” he added. “This is just fun.”
There’s also a wall for law enforcement patches, a shadow box with the uniform of a fallen friend, and more homages coming.
People have told him that his place feels like home, Ledford said, which is exactly what he wanted.
Come home to True Symmetry, located at 315 Marina Center.
For more information, visit www.truesymmetry.beer.
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The Camp Fire is now the most destructive wildfire in California’s history. Our brave firefighters continue to battle the blaze, even though so many of them have lost their homes, along with sheriff’s deputies and police officers. Click the links below for stories covering their heroism.
CNN: First responders who lost homes in Camp Fire still report for duty
Firehouse.com: First responders hit hard by CA wildfire
KCRA: Firefighters lose homes while on front lines of Camp Fire
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Kaiser Permanente in the Napa Solano area celebrated first responders at its annual event held Wednesday night at the Vacaville Medical Center. Elected officials, business leaders, hospital staff and patients turned out to show their appreciation to those who work daily to keep the community safe.
Kaiser Permanente Honors First Responders
October 1, 2018
“When they get the call, first responders never know what may lie ahead. Yet, they respond, and they show their dedication and commitment to saving lives every day,” said Nor Jemjemian, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente in the Napa Solano area. “We are proud to partner with them to deliver lifesaving care to the critically injured.”
During the past few weeks, residents from the community submitted nominations that recounted the stories of those working in emergency medical services who went above and beyond in protecting or saving lives, or who helped with community efforts focused on injury prevention.
The awards ceremony included a moment of silence to honor fallen California Highway Patrol officer Kirk Griess who was killed in the line of duty in August.
Kaiser Permanente also made two donations: $25,000 was given in memory of Griess to support the 11-99 Foundation in its mission to help California Highway Patrol employees and their families in times of crisis, a second second donation of $10,000 went to the 10-33 Foundation to continue the work or providing care to first responders. The organization’s goal is to reduce the ongoing effects of unresolved stress in the lives of those in emergency services through pre-incident training, post-incident crisis intervention services and follow up.
Another part of the event included special recognition of firefighters who worked tirelessly to fight massive wildfires recently.
“Our state has been ravaged with wildfires over the past year. People have perished, many homes have been lost, and entire communities have been devastated,” said Dr. Chris Walker, physician in chief for Kaiser Permanente in Napa Solano. “We offer our deepest gratitude to the firefighters for serving where the need was the greatest, time and time again.”
2018 First Responder Award recipients are:
- Officer Joseph Duncan, California Highway Patrol, recognized for his efforts on the day of Officer Kirk Griess’ tragic accident.
- Randy Titus, Vacaville Fire Department, noted for his caring nature, who recently assisted with treatment of a homeless individual and helped connect him to community resources.
- Officer Andrew Oros, Napa Police Department, honored for quickly performing the Heimlich maneuver on an individual who was choking.
- Anthony Bellamy, Fairfield Fire Department, who volunteers at the Fairfield PAL center and trains teens, staff and volunteers in basic first aid, CPR and injury prevention.
- Gordon Tsang and Dominic Romero, Medic Ambulance, who worked countless hours to help evacuate people during wildfires that impacted Sonoma and Napa counties.
- Jason Fein, Benicia Fire Department, who oversaw the Toys for Tots program in Benicia last year, bringing joy to hundreds of children during the 2017 holiday season.
- Bradley Caldwell, Cal Fire, who leads the annual mass casualty incident program at Napa Valley College and is a resource for training to EMS personnel in Sonoma, Lake and Napa counties.
- Officer Joe Holecek, Fairfield Police Department, who serves as a resource officer at Rodriguez High School and who helped bring in more than 5000 toys in toy drives and supports Rodriguez High’s athletic and academic programs.
- Officer Dave Harvey, California Highway Patrol, who works closely with Kaiser Permanente Napa-Solano’s Trauma Department to bring programs like Impact Teen Driver and Stop the Bleed to the public.
- Detective Brian Collins, Detective Michael Brennan, and Detective David McDonald, from the Vacaville Police Department, who responded bravely when a suspect ran a red light and crashed into two cars which resulted in a fire. They pulled victims to safety and took the suspect into custody.
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It is with deep sorrow that we inform those in the Bay Area law enforcement community who knew Mike Warnock, that he passed away in Bakersfield from a medical issue that his body could not overcome and defeat. Mike retired from the Concord Police Department and was currently a deputy chief with BNSF Railroad Police. Please keep the Warnock family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
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From the Daily Republic, by Nancy Green
Hershel Wayne Grose was born Sept. 17, 1933, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and passed away at home in Vacaville on Aug. 16, 2018. He was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
After serving in the Marine Corps, Wayne spent over 30 years in law enforcement. He proudly served the community of Fairfield for 25 years, retiring in 1989.
Wayne loved music, and much of his retirement was spent playing his fiddle (not a violin) with the band at various senior centers around the area. Wayne loved Jesus, and served at Trinity Baptist Church for 44 years in various capacities.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Kathleen; son, Kevin (Sheri); and grandchildren, Ian and Brynlee. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, at Trinity Baptist Church, 401 W. Monte Vista Ave., Vacaville, California. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gideons or the Trinity Baptist Church Music Program. Arrangements under the care of McCune Garden Chapel, 707-448-6546.
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Our deepest sympathies go to the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Griess.
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Suisun PD honors its own at awards ceremony
By Ian Thompson
SUISUN CITY — Marion Wallace and Keith Mercer got to meet the officer who saved their lives, each giving him a hug.
The two were present when Suisun City Police Cpl. Engelberto Rubio was honored with the department’s Life Saving Medal at an awards ceremony Wednesday.
“I am glad he was there,” Wallace said of the CPR that Rubio gave her after she was found unconscious in April, 2014.
Rubio also administered CPR to Mercer until paramedics arrived in October, 2017.
Rubio was one of several officers honored for their service at a ceremony that culminated with a farewell to Suisun City Cmdr. Andrew White, who is leaving to become Clearlake’s police chief.
A Medal of Valor, for action above and beyond the call of duty, was awarded to Sgt. Dan Healy for dealing with an armed woman who had pointed a gun at a mail carrier and then tried to fire on Healy, who struggled with her until help arrived.
Hazardous Action medals, awarded for carrying out duties in unusually hazardous conditions, went to Officer Andre Carson and Cpl. James Souza, who pulled children to safety during Healy’s struggle with the woman.
Distinguished Action Medals went to Cpl. Lex Egbert, Officer Joe Elliott, Sgt. Jeff Henderson, Rubio and Officer Eric Vera for actions that included dealing with armed suspects in three different incidents.
The Chief’s Service Medal, for outstanding professional performance, went to Cpl. Stephen Brown for successfully closing a child molestation case and to Vacaville Police Property and Evidence Supervisor Kari Lee for her help reorganizing the department’s property evidence room and training people.
The Suisun City Police Officers Association honored resident Ruth Elliott, known to the department as Mama Elliott, who has provided meals to officers since 2012. “Some people even switch shifts just to eat some of the excellent cooking,” said Brown, president of the police officers’ association. “You kept us well fed and our spirits high.”
The award for exceptional support to the department will now be known as the Ruth Elliott Award, Brown said.
White was honored at the end of the event. Police Chief Tim Mattos called him “one of the hardest working individuals that I’ve ever known.” White also got a special end-of-shift sign-off from the department’s dispatch center.
Educational ribbons went to Sgt. Lisa Carlock, Community Services Officer Danielle Lobao, Dispatcher Tiffaney Lombard, Dispatcher Haley Alexander, Brown, Elliott, Crime Scene Investigator Don Hafich, Henderson, Officer Julia Lazard, Sgt. Jose Martinez, Officer Matt Ornellas, Officer Eric Vera, Community Services Officer Amber Williams and Healy.
Distinguished Service Ribbons went to Dispatcher Ann Sagami, Sgt. Lisa Carlock, Dispatch Supervisor Amber Kent, Community Services Officer Pamela Greenwood, Community Services Officer Cathy Chandler and Sgt. Bob Szmurlo.
Dispatcher/Officer of the Year Ribbons went to Kent, Dispatcher Joanne Lavelle, Dispatcher Danielle Lindberg, Sagami, Cpl. Stephen Brown, Carlock, Sgt. Jeremy Crone, Martinez, Officer Lindsey O’Brien, Rubio and Officer Eric Vera.
Mattos lauded his department, saying that for every incident of outstanding service his employees did, “there are so many more we are unaware of.”
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In a small ceremony in front of his family, Ryan Armosino, 28, was sworn in as Vacaville’s newest police officer.
Armosino, a 2008 graduate of Will C. Wood High school and former reservist in the United States Marine Corps., was most recently an Emergency Medical Technician with Medic Ambulance. Monday, he explained that it’s been his passion to become a police officer.
Armosino graduated from the Napa Valley College Police Academy in June.
“I got to know a lot of officers from Vacaville while I was working at Mel’s Diner and stayed in contact with them.” Armosino said and explained that he had a job offer with another law enforcement agency that he turned down to start the process in Vacaville with the hopes of being hired. “It is a rare opportunity that I want to take full advantage of.”
After two weeks of in-house training, Armosino will hit the streets where he grew up with a field training officer.
Other new officers to Vacaville are Sean Kelly, coming from the Oakland Police Department, and Vince Santoni, coming from the Fairfield Police Department.
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Photo by Joel RosenbaumTHE REPORTER – Jimmy Pierson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Medic Ambulance, discusses the company’s ongoing program to donate 60 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the county. The company donated 18 devices to the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District in a small ceremony Monday at Armijo High School. The district plans to install them in all the district’s middle and high schools. “These machines can be the difference between life and death during a cardiac emergency,” Pierson said in a company press release. “By placing them in the District schools, we not only improve the safety of the students and faculty but are also spreading awareness about the importance of CPR training for the public.”
“The installation of these additional AEDs throughout the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District is another step in our continuing effort to be prepared when an emergency situation arises,” said Jennifer Taylor, assistant of HR and risk management for the school district, in a Medic Ambulance press release.
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UPDATE: 1 firefighter killed in Long Beach retirement home shooting
LONG BEACH >> A resident of a retirement home in Southern California opened fire on firefighters responding to a report of an explosion in the building, killing a veteran fire captain and wounding a second firefighter and another person, officials said.
The shooting happened after firefighters responded to an alarm shortly before 4 a.m. at the 11-story retirement facility in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles, and found some windows blown out, activated sprinklers, the smell of gas and a fire that they extinguished, authorities said.
Firefighters were searching the building when shots were fired and the two firefighters were hit, Long Beach Fire Chief Michael DuRee said.
Fire Capt. Dave Rosa, who had worked for the department for 17 years, died at a hospital Monday morning, DuRee said. He is survived by a wife and two children, the chief said.
The other firefighter who was shot was not immediately identified and was hospitalized in stable condition. A third person was also struck by gunfire and was in critical condition and undergoing surgery, said Police Chief Robert Luna. No further details were provided about that person.
Dozens of firefighters stood at attention and saluted as the flag-draped coffin carrying Rosa’s body was brought out of a hospital Monday afternoon and loaded into a coroner’s van. Community members waved American flags along the street outside the hospital as the procession of police and fire vehicles escorted the van to the coroner’s office.
Luna said a “person of interest” — who police believe is a resident at the facility — was detained at the scene and was being questioned by investigators. A weapon was recovered at the scene, he said.
“There is a big puzzle to put together,” Luna said. Investigators were looking into whether the shooter intentionally lured first responders to the scene to ambush them, Luna said.
“That’s the environment we work in today, as law enforcement and firefighters. You go to these scenes and you never know what’s on the other side of those doors. And these brave firefighters went through those doors and unfortunately they were met with gunfire,” Luna said.
Pamela Barr, who lives in the building, said she was awakened by fire alarms and didn’t panic because false alarms are not uncommon. She tried to go back to sleep but then learned what was happening by watching TV news. Firefighters later evacuated the building and put residents on buses.
“This is a lot to deal with,” said Barr, 73, as she sat with her son in a car, waiting to be allowed back in the tower, where she lives on the ninth floor on the opposite end of the building from where the fire occurred.
Barr said she hadn’t heard of any troubles involving residents of the facility, where she has lived for seven years. She described it as clean, well run and secure.
Gloria Ford, 58, who lives a few blocks away, was awakened by screaming sirens earlier and came to check out the scene. “I’m very sorry about it. I’m sick about it,” she said about the death of the firefighter. “It’s just mad.”
Police also called for bomb squad investigators after they discovered “a couple of devices they deemed to be suspicious.”
The residential tower near downtown Long Beach has 100 apartments for low-income people age 62 and older as well as disabled adults over age 18, according to its website.
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Back in the Day: Legacy of Fairfield police officer Cleo Patton lives on
Cleo Patton had been a flight mechanic in the Air Force and after leaving the military, was determined to become a policeman. He achieved that goal in 1968 by becoming the first black Fairfield police officer.
From the time he was hired until his retirement in 1982, Patton built a reputation as one of the most respected officers on the force.
But it wasn’t without some speed bumps. Lorine Patton, who moved to Fairfield with her husband and family in 1964, recalled some of the racism her husband experienced.
“Fairfield was still quite small and there were not a lot of blacks here and the town wasn’t used to that,” Lorine Patton said. “I remember one time when he was dispatched to a scene and the lady who had called the police called back and said to send a ‘real’ police officer. The dispatcher told her, ‘You’ve got a real police officer out there.’ ”
Cleo and Lorine Patton lived in the “bird streets” section of Fairfield and had three children; daughters Margie and Sharon and son Tony.
“Dad was very family oriented,” Tony Patton said. “We did a lot of things as a family like going camping or going fishing at the Suisun Slough. When it came to other people, he would give you the shirt off of his back if it was the last shirt he had. That’s just the way he was.”
The basic idea of community policing is for officers to gain the respect and willing cooperation of the public and warn that use of excessive force is detrimental to that aim. The principles of the model date back to the early 1800s and the concept caught on in the United States in the 1980s. Officer Cleo Patton, however, was pioneering that approach in Fairfield in the 1960s and ’70s.
“He would get out of his car downtown and walk the streets and meet the merchants and talk with them,” Lorine Patton said. ”It was something that he felt police officers should be doing – to get out into the community and get to know people.”
Fairfield Vice Mayor Chuck Timm was a Fairfield police officer from 1973 to 2004 and knew Patton.
“He treated people very respectfully and was soft-spoken. He was a firm believer in first you ask them, then you tell them, then you make them,” Timm said. “But it took a lot to get him to that last point. He was very smart and the best thing was that he knew how to talk to people. Great guy and a great cop.”
Patton was a school resource officer and was seen as no-nonsense, but exceedingly fair.
“One Saturday night when I was about 16, I was in my mom’s 1968 440 Chrysler station wagon and me and a buddy were drag racing on Air Base Parkway. We went barreling down near Dover and then all of a sudden the red and blue lights came on behind me,” Tony Patton said. “It was my dad. He gave my buddy a ticket, then he gave me a ticket and said, ‘Take the car home.’ I took the car home and I walked everywhere for six months. When you give your own son a ticket, you know he’s more than fair.”
Cleo Patton had a fatal heart attack June 9, 1999. Former Fairfield Mayor Chuck Hammond, in a Daily Republic article that relayed the sad news, referred to Patton as a trailblazer and a role model for younger officers.
Then-Fairfield Assistant Police Chief Larry Walker recalled in the same article Patton serving as his field training officer in 1969.
“He didn’t get emotionally upset to get people to comply,” Walker said in the article. “He talked to people. He had a real talent and could solve any situation with his commanding presence. I admired that.”
Officer Cleo Patton’s legacy lives on almost two decades after his death.
“I still run across people who tell me, ‘If it wasn’t for Officer Patton, I don’t know where I would be because he gave me a good talking to,’ ” Lorine Patton said. “He made a difference and that was the whole purpose of him wanting to become a police officer.”
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Founders Day:
Dave Althausen Sr. recognized for aiding Woodland College
By Hiedi Andersen, Special to The Democrat
Adjunct faculty truly bring “community” into a college — and Dave Althausen Sr. was one of many who gifted his first-hand experiences and life lessons to local students.
In a career spanning over 30 years, former businessman and Woodland police officer Althausen shared a wealth of unique, life perspectives with administration of justice students at Woodland Community College. His legacy of knowledge will be posthumously honored next month at the WCC Foundation’s annual Founders Day dinner.
“Community members who share their wealth of expertise by serving as adjunct faculty enrich the learning experience for our students,” said WCC President Michael White.
Colleagues fondly recall Althausen.
“I worked with him very closely,” said Francisco Rodriguez, former WCC dean and fellow 2018 honoree. “Althausen was a very good man. I’m honored to be in the group (of honorees) with him.”
Born in 1937 at the Oakland Army hospital, Althausen and his two younger siblings attended schools in Richmond. However, as a teen, his father became ill as a result of his World War I service, and Althausen left Richmond High School to help support his family.
“Dad met his bride-to-be, Jannifer (Jan) in the movie theater business,” their son, Dave Althausen Jr. recalled. “She was a ticket/candy counter girl and he was an usher.”
The couple married and together went on to manage theaters in the Bay Area and Sacramento.
“After the theater gig, they went into retail, working with Sprouse Reitz in West Sacramento, which later became Rite-Aid,” Althausen Jr. said. “The two of them managed stores in Northern and Southern California, but it was at the Woodland store in 1961 when Dad’s interest in law enforcement began when he joined the Woodland Police Department as a reserve police officer.”
Althausen Sr. spent the next three years working both at Sprouse Ritz and at the police department before moving to manage a drug store in Oxnard. Then, in 1966, the city of Woodland called and offered him a job as a full-time police officer. Althausen Sr. moved back to Yolo County and attended the Sacramento Police Academy, then located in McKinley Park, and graduated with the class of 1966-D II.
“He was sworn in on Aug. 1, 1966,” Althausen Jr. said. “Apparently, Dad must have impressed them earlier as a reserve officer.”
His first assignment was patrol, and he later became one of the original 10 motorcycle officers, a drug education officer, training officer, reserve program coordinator, range master and department armorer during. In 1977, he developed the Woodland Police Department’s first “Neighborhood Watch” program.
“As the reserve officer coordinator, he was credited with the creation of the first Yolo County Police Reserve Academy,” Althausen Jr. recalled. “Dad was a fixture at the Woodland Police Department booth at the Yolo County Fair for many years where he explained the dangers of drugs — educating local youth and their parents alike.”
His community interactions helped Althausen Sr. realize he had a talent for teaching, and in 1974, he earned a teaching certificate from UC Davis and launched his second “and highly prized tenure” as an adjunct faculty member at Yuba College’s Woodland Campus.
“Teaching quickly became Dad’s passion,” said Althausen Jr., who got to see his father in action when he enrolled in an administration of justice class. “It was 1987, and I had just been honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. My best friend — WCC alum Jerry Jones, now the undersheriff of Butte County — and I took Dad’s class. I remember from that experience seeing a side of Dad that I’d rarely seen.”
Althausen Srs. teaching style was energetic, jovial and engaging. As an adjunct faculty member, he had personal stories to share about working in law enforcement that added a richness to the college experience for his students.
“It was like watching a funny comedian on television, albeit delivering the course requirements and material in a scholarly and professional manner befitting a veteran police officer and educator,” Althausen Jr. said.
More than three decades of WCC students benefitted from the knowledge Althausen Sr. shared. He was active in the WCC Academic Senate, and “a regular face in the college library where he’d assist Darlene Gray and any student who asked,” his son said.
“To this day, when I meet former students of his, they remember Dad fondly for his style, enthusiasm, professionalism, career advice and counseling that made them a better person, whether they are in law enforcement or another career,” Althausen Jr. said.
Althausen lost his battle with cancer on May 21, 2009. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan, and son, Dave Althausen Jr., two grandchildren and one great grandchild. In his honor, the WCC Foundation established the Dave Althausen Administration of Justice Scholarship, an ongoing, sustained legacy.
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Please join the Fairfield Fire Department in congratulating four of our own as they begin a new chapter in their careers as recently promoted Fire Captains.
They completed a two-week Captain’s Academy and are excited to see what the future holds.
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By Solano County Sheriff’s Office September 2, 2017
Several members of the Solano Community College, Community Service Officer (CSO) program were promoted Thursday. These individuals are students at our local colleges and have been volunteering as student leaders, working hard towards a career in law enforcement.
The Solano County Sheriff’s Office currently has three sworn members who are working full-time at the Solano Community College campus. This is a large multiple-campus district with a workforce of 572 and a student body of more than 10,000.
The Sheriff’s Office staff members are proud of their CSOs and are honored to have the privilege of serving with these future leaders and all members of our campus community and guests.
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Fairfield Fire Department
Academy Graduation and Promotional Badge Pinning Ceremony
April 27, 2017 – The Downtown Theatre
Below is a listing of those that are graduating and being promoted. The academy graduate date is April 27th.
Academy Graduates
Firefighter/Paramedic John Hoyle
Firefighter/Paramedic Gregory Bounds
Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Fink
Firefighter/Paramedic Elliott Blanton
Firefighter/Paramedic E F Ryan Hughes
Firefighter/Paramedic Blake Dombrowski
Promotions
Fire Captain Nick Eisan
Fire Captain Jessica Fleshman
Fire Captain Anthony Prado
Fire Engineer Anthony Tynes
Fire Engineer Donny Biro
Fire Engineer Ben Nielson
Congratulations to the graduates and firefighters receiving promotions. Well done!
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Fifty four years ago, Betty McKinzie’s world was turned upside down when her beloved husband, Deputy Hale Humphrey, was killed in the line of duty. On Monday, he was posthumously honored with a sign to be placed along Highway 12 between Marina Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue, where he died.
With grace, McKinzie accepted a framed replica that was large for her petite frame. “Oh my gosh, this is going up on my wall,” she said, with a smile. Family members clapped as Humphrey was remembered and his 93-year-old widow shared remembrances.
Ever spunky, she recalled how they met — he was a cop and pulled her over in San Francisco. “I was with my friends,” she said. He showed up at her office the next day and asked her out. The rest, as they say, is history.
Humphrey was killed on March 15, 1963.
That’s when two young men robbed a Lodi area gas station and stole the owner’s car. California Highway Patrol Officer Charles Sorensen pursued them. At some point the suspects crashed and ran, with Sorensen chasing after them. The suspects fatally shot Sorensen, took his patrol car and drove west on 12 towards Fairfield. Humphrey had set up a roadblock and the suspects crashed through it at 130 mph, killing him.
The suspects, ages 16 and 18, were subsequently arrested and convicted. “He died instantly and I can’t say enough that this day is way past due,” said Deputy Daryl Snedeker, president of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
Speaking with a retired deputy some years back, Snedeker hit on the idea of the memorial sign and together with the DSA and Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Solano, got to work. He contacted Humphrey’s widow, who has since found love again and remarried, and got her on board.
“It has been a two year journey,” he told the crowd at the Solano County Events Center on Monday. “This journey has been so rewarding for me personally because I got to meet some of the best people. … This comes full circle.”
The event, according to Frazier, shows how “Solano’s Finest” is a true brotherhood. Humphrey’s debt can never be repaid, he said, thanking the deputy for making the ultimate sacrifice. “His heart was with service,” Frazier said. “From 54 years ago till today … He will be remembered for his dedication to protecting those he loved. I am certain his memory will always be remembered by a grateful public.” He subsequently presented McKinzie with a proclamation, and Snedeker presented her with her framed sign.
Sheriff Tom Ferrara added that Humphrey will never be forgotten. “It hurts forever,” he said. “It doesn’t get any better.” Members of Sorensen’s family, including his widow, Melinda, were also in attendance.
–Kimberly K. Fu, The Reporter
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Veteran officer named Vacaville’s Officer of the Year
By Kimberly K. Fu
He’s a husband, a dad, a mentor to his peers and a dedicated community servant. As of last week, Master Police Officer Erwin Ramirez is also the Vacaville Police Department’s Officer of the Year. “I was blown away,” the 41-year-old said Monday. “I did not expect this.”
The veteran officer, officials said, “embodies the mission, vision and principles” of the department and “is sincere in his actions, striving to develop a motivating environment and is a true member of the ‘Team.’”
A 17-year veteran of the department, Ramirez has been a police officer for more than 18 years. As he explains it, the career is more than a job and the staff are more than just coworkers. “We’re a big family,” he explained. “We always want people to succeed. We’re always mentoring.” Ramirez added that he’s always learning.
A Vallejo native, he grew up quickly after becoming a dad at 17. Loved ones told him to get his act together and he did. He looked to his dad, who was a police officer in the Philippines during a time of significant turmoil — just a quarter of his academy made it out alive. As well, his brother served as a military police officer with the Navy.
In 1999, Ramirez married his high school sweetheart, who he’d been with since 1992, and also joined the Suisun City Police Department. From a reserve officer he became a full-time officer and a year later, he joined the Vacaville Police Department.
The fit, he said, has been amazing and he loves what he does, from interacting with the community to lending a hand to fellow officers. Two years ago, he promoted to Master Police Officer and has learned much in the way of leadership, he said.
The Officer of the Year recognition is welcomed, in that his efforts are acknowledged. But, he points out, the efforts of his team are what made the honor possible.
“We have a lot of great people here,” he emphasized. “But there’s a lot of people here who do a lot of wonderful things.”
Ramirez credits his wife, Lisa, for supporting him, maintaining a great family life with their son and two daughters and inspiring him every day. “She’s the motivation that gets me going. She’s the conscience in my head when I’m working with people, telling me the right thing to do,” he said. “Her honesty with everything I do, she really grounds me.”
Fairfield’s beloved Chief Allio celebrated at retirement ceremony
By Dom Pruett, The Reporter
Thursday afternoon, toward the end of his second-to-last day in law enforcement, Chief Joe Allio sat inside his semi-bare office, which was void of its usual collection of San Francisco Giants decorations, and admitted his impending retirement still hadn’t sunk in yet. “Typically, I take to emotion pretty easily,” he said. ” But I keep waiting for the moment when it hits me.”
The next day, at his retirement ceremony inside a jam-packed Fairfield City Council Chamber, the moment had finally taken over Allio, moving him to tears.
“Just seeing all my kids here and knowing how blessed of a career I was given,” he explained following the ceremony.
Allio leaves Fairfield after 30 years of service, a city he first stumbled into in 1986 during a stop for gas while on his way to South Lake Tahoe.
Before Fairfield, Allio was a Patrol Officer for his native South San Francisco Police Department. Despite reaching the pinnacle of success by most officers standards, Allio’s decision to step away is to spend more quality time with his family, a simple task often unattainable with the busy schedule of a police chief.
Namely, it is Allio’s 18-year-old daughter, Annie, who is bringing him into retirement. Diagnosed at a young age with Juvenile Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjögren-Batten disease (also known as Batten disease), which is a rare and fatal autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder, Annie isn’t expected to live beyond her early 20s. In 2012, Allio lost another daughter of his, Annie’s older sister, Catie, to the disease. Now, with time at a premium, Allio plans on using his newly found free time to tend to his ailing daughter. “I want to be her other nurse,” said Allio Thursday.
It’s Allio’s compassion and unselfishness that his colleagues said they will miss the most.
“We’ll miss his humble leadership,” said Interim Chief Randy Fenn, who was a lieutenant with Allio when he joined the department in 2012. “He’s always been true to his faith and has always done an incredible job putting people first. I’ve got big shoes to fill.”
Lt. Rob Lenke, who worked with Allio when he was hired as a Sgt. at Fairfield in 2001, described his former boss’ retirement as “bittersweet.”
“He was one of the first sergeants I ever worked for. He’s been a leader and mentor ever since ” he said. “He set an example. Anytime I had an issue or wasn’t sure what to do, I went to him.
“He’s how I want to model myself after,” Lenke continued. “There are certain people who move up the ranks because they want the allure and title of chief. He was there because he truly wanted to serve.”
Sgt. Matt Bloesch, who received guidance from Allio when he was promoted to Sgt. in 2008, also praised Allio as a mentor.
“Joe is one of the best leaders I’ve ever worked for,” he said. “I just watched him, the way he interacted with his family and saw his outlook on life. That gave me something to look up to, and I knew that was the kind of person and cop I wanted to be.”
Though Allio will certainly be missed by those at the Fairfield Police Department, his self-proclaimed “silent partner” is excited to see more of him.
“I’m looking forward to spending time with my best friend,” said Allio’s wife, Kathy. Together, they have six children and two grandsons. “I’m so glad he’s going to be home.”
However, the transition won’t be easy for Kathy either, who Allio joked was having more difficulty coming to grips with retirement than he was.
“I’m so conflicted, this is family to us, their love and support have sustained us. Our hearts are rooted with these people,” she revealed. “A little bit of my heart will stay with the Fairfield Police Department.”
As for Allio, now that retirement has finally sunk in, he’s looking out into the horizon with optimism and joy.
“I’m hoping my best skillset is retirement,” he laughed.
Florence Douglas Center hosts first Black History Month Celebration
Lt. Herm Robinson talks about his father, the late Al Robinson, who was first terminated as the first African-American Vallejo police officer, and then reinstated in 2002.
Richard Freedman, Vallejo Times-Herald
Al Robinson was the first African-American Vallejo police officer. But if not for the perseverance by his son, Robinson may still be simply known as a former janitor with the VPD who died in 1968. Herm Robinson, a 43-year VPD veteran and lieutenant, pursued justice for his father — with the senior Robinson’s Badge No. 176 finally reinstated in 2002. “It took me 25 years to get that righted,” Robinson said, discussing his family’s Vallejo history Monday at the Black History Month Celebration at the Florence Douglas Center.
Robinson told the story of how his father was a janitor with the VPD before working as a “special officer” to “work black areas of town” during the war years. Soon after getting hired as an official officer around 1946-’48 “the best we can figure it,” Al Robinson was dumped, his son said. “His employment as a police officer was terminated and they gave him his job back as janitor,” Robinson said, to many groans from the audience of around 175.
When the VPD put Al Robinson’s picture back on the wall at the police department, “my mom was just ecstatic,” Lt. Herm said to rousing applause.
As for his own experience with the VPD, “it’s been a rewarding career,” Robinson said. And, believes event coordinator Debbie Young, a rewarding first-time event at the Florence Douglas Center. “It’s important to me because I am African American and important to let them know the Florence Douglas Center supports the community,” Young said, smiling that there wasn’t a Black History Month Celebration previously “because they needed someone like me to understand the vision and I hope people leave here feeling rejuvenated.”
The event included speakers Deborah Oldham, Steve Etter, Cassie Smith, Darnice Richmond, the Reve. Eugene Gary, Shirley Charles, and James Coleman. Vocalists included Clarie Woolbright, Diane Survine, and Calvin Whitmore. Whitmore, 63 and a 31-year Vallejoan, did his a cappella version of Sam Cook’s “A Change is Gonna Come,” written by the late singer following his release from a brief jail stint. “It talks about giving hope to the people so I thought it would be appropriate,” Whitmore said. “A lot of people know the song, but don’t understand the historical significance. It’s become a universal message of hope, one that does not age. We all feel in some way or another that a change is gonna come.”
Black History Month, said Whitmore, is a time to acknowledge “legendary contributions to our group and society as a whole and reacquaint yourself with people you haven’t seen for a while.” Naomi Smith, known for her vocal talents in Vallejo, served as “mistress of ceremonies.” “It means a lot to me,” she said of the assignment. “A lot of my friends of all races are here. Family is here. It’s a gathering for the community of Vallejo and I’m very proud to be asked to be a part of it.”
From the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office,
posted February 22, 2017
Mike Foley, a veteran Alameda County sheriff’s deputy, who previously worked for the Concord Police for 30 years before he retired from the force in 2007, succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a transportation vehicle at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin early Wednesday morning. The incident happened at about 6 a.m. at the transportation yard behind the jail near Broder Boulevard.
Please keep Deputy Foley and his family in your prayers, as well as the driver of the vehicle, another deputy, who is understandably devastated by the incident.
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From the California Highway Patrol, posted February 22, 2017
This evening at approximately 5:45 p.m., California Highway Patrol (CHP) motorcycle Officer Lucas F. Chellew, ID 19402, was in pursuit of a motorcycle eastbound on Fruitridge Road east of State Route 99 in South Sacramento. During the pursuit, a collision occurred, causing Officer Chellew to lose control of his motorcycle.
Officer Chellew suffered major injuries, and first responders on scene worked tirelessly to keep him alive as he was transported to University of California, Davis, Medical Center. Tragically, despite the valiant efforts of the paramedics and medical professionals, Officer Chellew succumbed to his injuries at approximately 6:11 p.m.
“My heart aches on this terribly tragic day for the CHP as we have lost a hero, who swore a sacred and honorable oath to serve and protect the people of California,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Officer Chellew now joins a distinguished and cherished group of men and women whose names adorn a memorial fountain at the center of the CHP Academy. His service and sacrifice will forever be honored and never forgotten. Please keep Officer Chellew’s family, friends and the entire CHP family in your thoughts and prayers as they mourn his loss.”
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From the Whittier Police Department, posted on February 20, 2017
27-Year Veteran Killed in the Line of Duty
With a sad and heavy heart, we regret to inform you that Officer Keith Boyer, a 27-year veteran of the Whittier Police Department, was killed in the line of duty earlier this morning. The incident surrounding Officer Boyer’s death is currently under investigation. As such we will not be releasing any additional information at this time. We ask for our community’s prayers and support for the officers involved, their families and for all the Whittier Police personnel. #W249 #EOW #whittierpd
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at Whittier Police Department. Rest in peace, Officer Boyer.
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Congratulations to Officer Jimmy Bondoc and Officer Ross Hawkins on their successful retirement from the Fairfield Police Department. Jimmy Bondoc served for 24 years at the Fairfield Police Department, and Ross Hawkins enjoyed a 35-year police career at the Fairfield Police Department. Thank you to Jimmy and Ross for your many years of service! You will be greatly missed by your
colleagues and the citizens whom you served.
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Captain Eric Wilson, Vacaville Fire DepartmentBy Dom Pruett
Goodbyes are hard enough on their own.
Factor in retiring from one department after 20-plus years of service and the task gets even more complicated.
For Vacaville Police Department Lt. Denise Quatman and Vacaville Fire Department Fire Captain Eric Wilson, who both worked their last day in their respective departments on Wednesday, the only way to say goodbye was to do so quietly — without the pageantry.
“I’m not the kind of person who likes to be the center of attention,” said Quatman, who opted to forgo the Vacaville Police Department’s traditional ‘walk down the department steps’ Wednesday. “I like to be the person in the background helping people get what they need. That’s just who I am.”
Wilson also chose to skip out on his department’s cherished ‘final ride,’ where the retiree is driven home by a fire engine on his or her final day.
“I walked in on my first day here without fanfare, and I’ll walk out without fanfare,” said Wilson.
But while Quatman and Wilson elected to spare the sappy goodbye rituals, both admitted they were overcome with emotion as they processed the magnitude of the occasion.
“It’s still a bit surreal,” revealed Quatman, who began at Vacaville police in February of 1991. “Just thinking about the past 26 years that I spent here, which was probably more time than I spent with my family.”
I walked in today with the same anxieties I had on my very first day here,” said Wilson. “Once again I’m unsure of what the future holds, but I’m also excited about the possibilities.”
Ironically, despite hailing from a family of firefighters — with a father who retired as Captain of the Hayward Fire Department and an uncle who was an Oakland City firefighter — Wilson’s post-high school intentions were to become a police officer.
“A lot of firefighters grew up dreaming of becoming a firefighter,” said Wilson. “I wasn’t one of those kids.”
A native of Martinez, Wilson began his tenure at the Vacaville Fire Department in 1990 as a firefighter/paramedic. Five years later, Wilson was promoted to fire engineer/paramedic. In 2012, Wilson became Fire Captain, where he made his biggest impact in the department. Along with retired Deputy Chief Phil Sanner, and Fire Chief Kris Concepcion, Wilson was pivotal in the building of Vacaville’s newest station — Station 75 in Southtown, which came into service earlier this year. Wilson was also in charge of communications for the department for the past six years and is responsible for the department receiving a grant three years ago worth a quarter of a million dollars that upgraded their entire radio system. “Some guys will coast during their final years before they retire,” said Wilson. “I had my foot on until the very end.”
Quatman, who served in the United States Army, began at the Vacaville Police Department after six months of working as a Community Service Officer. In 2014, Quatman made Vacaville history when she was promoted from Sgt. to Lt. — making her the first woman to hold the position of Lieutenant in the city’s history.
After an illustrious career, Quatman is now coming to grips with life without the badge.
“After my last shift Saturday night, I took my boots off for the last time and just breathed,” said Quatman. “When I woke up this morning, I realized I’m just Denise; not Lt. Quatman anymore.”
Wilson also revealed having a hard time coming to terms with the fact he will no longer be serving the community. “The concept of a last call and last shift still hasn’t sunk in yet,” said Wilson Wednesday afternoon. “I don’t think it will for at least a few weeks. By nature, firefighters are action-oriented individuals.”
Now no longer responsible for carrying out the stressful duties of a firefighter or police officer, both Wilson, and Quatman are both taking some time away from work to spend time with family and recuperate from the rigors of their former careers. “I’m going to do some traveling with my wife,” said Wilson. “I also have about 10 years worth of chores and projects around the house to make up for.”
“The plan is to take a few months to try and evaluate which direction I want to go,” said Quatman. “I haven’t taken more than three weeks off since I began here. Its been a long time since I’ve only been responsible for myself.”
Though both excited to begin new chapters in their lives, Wilson and Quatman admitted leaving behind their colleagues, friends who they often risked their lives with, will be difficult. “The people I’ve had the pleasure of working with has been the highlight of it all,” said Wilson.
“I’m definitely going to miss a lot of fantastic and intelligent people that I’m so grateful I had the chance to work with,” explained Quatman.
By Katy St. Clair
When Jeff Ainsworth met friends and family in Benicia on Saturday night for a few drinks, he had no idea he would find himself left with a gunshot wound. He also didn’t know that he would quite possibly have saved some lives.
Ainsworth, 45, was visiting his hometown of Benicia on Nov. 11 and had spent an enjoyable evening eating dinner on 1st Street with those closest to him, including his friend of many years, Doug Everhart. They eventually headed over to the Bottom of the Fifth Bar during last call early Sunday morning before turning in, he said.
The group was chatting and having a good time, when Ainsworth began to notice some sort of commotion next to them, he said. Before he knew it, he saw a man pull out a gun and aimed it squarely at the bartender, who can be seen ducking below the bar in security camera footage.
According to the police, the suspect, 33-year-old Daniel Lopez, was angry that he was not going to be served any more drinks. The camera footage allegedly shows Lopez pointing the gun at the bartender and then turning with it and swiftly moving toward Ainsworth and his friends.
“He started shooting, and that’s when I put my hands up,” Ainsworth said. “When you are in that type of situation, you do whatever you can.” He said he began pushing and punching Lopez in an effort to get the gun away from him.
It was Ainsworth’s belief that the gunman was determined to reach the bartender.
He said he eventually got Lopez down on the ground and Everhart tried to grab him as well.
“That’s when he got shot in the hand and the rib,” he said, referring to his friend Doug.
Ainsworth said a gunshot grazed his jaw and went into the side of his face, with the bullet lodging in his ear canal.
He is expected to recover but said the entire event was “terrifying.”
As soon as Lopez allegedly shot them, he took off running. The suspect was later apprehended and is currently in custody. He is charged with two counts of attempted murder, five counts of assault with a firearm, and one count of being a felon in possession of firearm.
For their bravery, the two friends were honored by the Benicia Police Department with special honorary coins. But Ainsworth said that he has always had it instilled in him that he should help those that cannot protect themselves. Ainsworth is a Marine and an ex-police officer, he said, and will always step up if needed.
“The way I was raised, I’m not going to let bad things happen to people I care about. I learned that from my dad. All my training from being a kid on up has put me in the position to be able to
protect others.”
He said he feels a tremendous sense of gratitude and relief that no one else was hurt, and that the bartender is safe, too.
Ainsworth balks a bit at being described as a hero, however.
“I believe the people who should be called heroes are the police, Marines and soldiers that put their lives on the line every day,” he said.
Governor Brown Issues Statement on Death of Modoc County Sheriff’s Deputy
SACRAMENTO – Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today issued the following statement regarding the death of Modoc County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jack Hopkins:
“Anne and I were saddened and outraged to learn of the death of another peace officer today. When called to serve, Deputy Hopkins stood tall to protect his community and our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and coworkers in this difficult time.”
Deputy Hopkins, 31, of Alturas, was fatally shot today while responding to a reported civil disturbance near Alturas.
Deputy Hopkins began serving with the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office in 2015. He is survived by extended family.
In honor of Deputy Hopkins, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.
The man shot by Vallejo police after he leveled an assault rifle at them in a Starbucks on Sunday was being sought in connection with the shooting of a toddler in Suisun City earlier in the day, police said in a press conference Monday.
Adam Powell, 41, of Suisun, a convicted felon with robbery and drug-related offenses on his record, is said to be in stable but critical condition at a local trauma center, police said. The condition of the child, who was shot in the upper body, is said to be critical.
Evidence so far leads police to believe the child’s shooting was accidental and possibly self-inflicted, they said.
Powell, who is said to have ties in Vallejo and Dixon, is believed to have been inside a Suisun residence in which a 2-year-old boy was shot at about 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Suisun Police Department Commander Andrew White said. When police arrived at the residence, Powell, who may be the boy’s father, was gone, and no weapon was found, though some ammunition was, he said.
Suisun police issued a be-on-the-lookout alert on Powell, police said.
Some 5 ½ hours later, at about 8:50 p.m., two Vallejo police officers were inside the Starbucks at 199 Lincoln Rd. West, on a break, when Powell apparently targeted them, Vallejo Police Chief Andrew Bidou said.
Powell is said to have driven by the coffee shop six minutes before walking in and aiming an assault-style weapon, with a collapsible stock and a high capacity drum magazine, at the officers.
“They recognized his actions for what they were, and drew their weapons “in an attempt to protect themselves, causing the suspect to flee,” Vallejo Lt. Jeff Bassett said.
Fortunately, the suspect’s weapon seemed to jam, police said.
The suspect appeared to be attempting to manipulate the gun as if it had malfunctioned, continuing to do so even as he fled, with officers in pursuit, Bassett said.
Powell fled through the parking lot, westbound on Magazine Street, and was confronted by officers near the intersection at Sheridan Street, still working the weapon and “presenting himself as a lethal threat to the officers.”
Powell was struck three times by gunfire before falling, police said. He was taken into custody and was found to be carrying an additional loaded handgun and wearing the same kind of “soft” body-armor that police wear under their uniforms, Bassett said. Powell’s connection to the earlier shooting was made in the ambulance, he said.
The two involved officers were not injured.
There were two other patrons and several employees in the Starbucks at the time, police said.
“I’d like to thank the community for the outpouring of support from the public,” Bidou said. “This situation underscores the courage displayed by our officers and the danger they put themselves in every day to protect the public. There is little doubt that if it were not for the decisive action of our two officers, we’d be telling a much different story right now.”
He and White also commended the work of their respective dispatchers, as well as the California Highway Patrol and Solano County Sheriff’s Office.
Bidou commended his officers who, when “confronted by someone with superior fire power — an assault weapon and an additional weapon and body armor,” giving him a distinct advantage over the police — went after the suspect, who, he noted, was a danger to everybody within firing range.
“We are relieved that this didn’t become a tragedy, that our officers weren’t assassinated,” Bidou said. “Officers are on high alert across the country, right now.”
Contact Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at (707) 553-6824.
On the morning of September 29, 2016, at approximately 6:30 a.m.,
Officer William Kenneth Zink (Ken) was killed during a traffic collision while riding his motorcycle to work. The incident occurred on westbound Interstate Highway 80 in Vallejo near Redwood Parkway.
This account has been created by the San Pablo Police Employees Association. All donated funds will be deposited directly into the account of Ken’s daughter, Amy Zink, and immediate family to assist them with associated costs during this difficult time.
Ken was one of the most humble and unassuming people you could ever meet. He did not do his job for the recognition and would often change the subject if you brought up his accomplishments. He had a vested interest in the community and despised the damage our youth suffers at the hands of drugs. Ken truly loved kids and committed a great deal of his time to volunteer work outside of the PD. He is irreplaceable.
Ken, we will strive to carry on the sense of humility and professionalism you taught us all. Thank you. You made a profound impact on our lives here at the PD as well as the lives of so many others. We are all blessed to have spent time with you here. Until we meet again, rest your knees, old sheepdog. We will cover your watch from here on out. Rest in Peace.