Behind the Badge
Christian, 10, always has been a bundle of energy.
The problem, however, has been getting the boy to channel that energy in a positive direction, said Christian’s father, Frank.
Then OC GRIP got involved.
Wednesday, Christian, a fifth-grader at Valencia Park Elementary School in Fullerton, was among 15 Valencia Park students awarded a complete Thanksgiving dinner for making improvements in attendance, grades and behavior.
10-year-old Gabriel is congratulated by Fullerton PD Sgt. Joel Craft during the Turkey Incentive.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
An acronym for Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership, OC GRIP is a partnership involving the District Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, schools, corporate sponsors and faith-based groups, with one main purpose: to keep at-risk kids out of gangs.
Students’ progress is measured over an approximate two-month period, starting in September.
“His behavior has changed a lot,” Frank said of his son at the Nov. 16 event. “He is doing better in math and reading. He is setting an example for his little brother (Ethan, 7).”
Fullerton PD Sgt. Jon Radus talks to GRIP kids gathered at Valencia Park Elementary School for the turkey giveaway on Nov. 16.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Christian, who wants to be an engineer like his father, said he was happy because “mom won’t have to spend money on Thanksgiving.”
The 15 Valencia Park students were among 850 youngsters at 50 schools countywide who earned a Thanksgiving dinner for their families after excelling in the GRIP program.
And “earned” is the operative word, said Deputy District Attorney Tamika Williams, a prosecutor who administers the program in four Fullerton elementary schools.
If GRIP students, who are identified by school officials for being at risk for a variety of reasons, don’t make strides in the three key areas, they will not receive the turkey dinner or any other GRIP incentive, Williams said.
Helene Morris, principal of Valencia Park Elementary School, welcomes GRIP students and their families during a special gathering at the school Wed., Nov. 16.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“Nothing in GRIP is ever given for free,” Williams said.
The Thanksgiving meals, which feed 10 and include a turkey and all the trimmings, were given out in the Valencia Park cafeteria with District Superintendent Robert Pletka, Principal Helene Morris and Capt. John Siko, Sgt. Jon Radus and Sgt. Joel Craft of the Fullerton Police Department on hand.
Parents, most using their cell phones to take photos, looked on and cheered as each student was announced and received a certificate from the principal and a handshake from administrators and officers along with their meals.
“Your entire family now has an entire Thanksgiving dinner because of your commitment to academics, attendance and attitude,” Radus said.
Jesus, 10, gives a big smile as Fullerton PD Sgt. Jon Radus congratulates him for being honored by GRIP and earning a Turkey dinner for his family.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Part of the legacy of recently retired FPD chief Dan Hughes was helping to bring GRIP to Fullerton schools, Williams said.
Ralph’s, Food for Less and Saddleback Church donated the turkey dinners.
The meals were stored and divided up at Saddleback’s Anaheim campus with the help of church volunteers.
“We are very, proud of your kiddos today,” Williams told the families of the GRIP students. “We are all working together to keep kids on the right path and to teach them to say no to the bad stuff.”
Tamika Williams, a deputy district attorney for Orange County, talks about the GRIP kids being honored Wednesday for the Turkey Incentive at Valencia Park Elementary School in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Parents gather with their kids for the GRIP/Fullerton PD Turkey Incentive at Valencia Park Elementary School.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
10-year-old Arturo “Artie” gets a handshake from Anaheim PD Sgt. Joel Craft as Sgt. Jon Radus, left, and Capt. (and acting Chief) John Siko get ready to hand him his Thanksgiving food as part of GRIP’s Turkey Incentive at Valencia Park Elementary School.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fullerton PD Sgt. Jon Radus, right, has some final words of encouragement for the students from Valencia Park Elementary.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Susan Lacoff of Saddleback Church in Anaheim talks to a group of girls being honored by GRIP at Valencia Park Elementary School. Behind them are Fullerton PD’s Sgt. Joel Craft, left, Sgt. Jon Radus and Capt. John Siko.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Valencia Park Elementary School students being honored by the GRIP program and the Fullerton PD gather at the school with their certificates.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Behind the Badge OC reporter Lou Ponsi talks to the students of Valencia Park Elementary in Fullerton.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
