Behind the Badge
From life-saving rescues, to solving high-profile cases, to a deep dedication to community service, there was much outstanding work in 2015 from members of the Tustin Police Department.
Employees were honored Jan. 8 as the Tustin Police Officers Association, Tustin Police Support Services Association and the Tustin Police Foundation hosted their annual awards banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum.
Among rows of rare Ferraris, one-of-a-kind American muscle cars and Formula 1 race cars, Tustin PD celebrated as students from Beckman High School’s orchestra set the mood with music.
The Beckman High String Orchestra entertains guest arriving for Tustin PD’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Nineteen awards were handed out to 28 employees to recognize the many contributions from the department’s cadets, volunteers, officers, detectives, records supervisors and crime analysts, among other employees.
“This is a great evening once again,” said Police Chief Charles Celano as he welcomed the more than 100 employees and community members. “There is amazing work being done every single day in Tustin.
“They hear me say this all the time, but (our employees) bring calm to chaos,” Celano said.
Bringing a sense of calm takes many forms at Tustin PD, whether it’s developing community programs to educate children on bicycle safety, saving the life of a 52-year-old intoxicated and unresponsive man or locking up one of the city’s most wanted suspected rapists.
It all matters, and the work that left the greatest impression on Tustin PD employees received the accolades Friday night.
“These awards are special,” said TPOA president Det. Tommy Lomeli. “The recipients of these awards were nominated and selected by our peers. It is they who are thanking you and rewarding you for the great job you do.”
Tustin PD Detective and TPOA (Tustin Police Officer’s Association) President Tommy Lomeli addresses the audience during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Here are this year’s winners, and check back with Behind the Badge OC as we feature several of the stories behind these awards.
C.T.A.P.S. Achievement Award: Sgt. Del Pickney, Officer Shonn Rojas and Crime Analyst Suzanna Howard
Officer Shonn Rojas, left, Police Crime Analyst Suzanna Howard and Sgt. Del Pickney receive the CTAPS Ribbon from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Community Service Award: Police Services Officer Megan Evans, Police Services Officer Adriana Tokar, Police Services Officer Marilyn Packer, Officer John Hedges and Det. Natalie Nguyen
Police Services Officers Megan Evans, left, Marilyn Packer and Adriana Tokar receive the Community Service Award from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Lifesaving Award: Officers Bonnie Breeze, Jason Muro, Taylor Ryan, Tim Carson and Anthony Ramirez
Officers Taylor Ryan, left, Jason Muro, right and Tim Carson (not pictured) receive the Lifesaving Award from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Officer Bonnie Breeze receives the Lifesaving Award from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano during the Tustin Police DepartmentÕs Awards Banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Distinguished Service Award: Master Reserve Officer John Crews
John Crews receives the Distinguished Service Medal from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Explorer of the Year: Michael Duff
Michael Duff receives the Explorer of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cadet of the Year: Brandon Jehoich
Brandon Jehoich gives a big smile as he receives the Cadet of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Volunteer of the Year: Richard Ruedas
Rich Ruedas receives the Volunteer of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Reserve Officer of the Year: Darryl Pang
Community Policing Award: TyRon Jackson, Founder of Operation Warm Wishes
TyRon Jackson receives the Community Member Award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
TPSSA Rookie of the Year: Kayla Brennan
Kayla Brennan receives the TPSSA Rookie of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
TPOA Rookie of the Year: Officer Stephanie Kimosh
Stephanie Kimosh receives the TPOA Rookie of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Case of the Year: Det. Eric Haug
TPD Lifetime Achievement Award: Det. Pamela Hardacre
TPSSA Dedication and Professionalism: Records Specialist Liliana Mendez
TPOA Dedication and Professionalism: Det. Natalie Nguyen
TPSSA Supervisor of the Year: CSI Supervisor Christopher Grover
Chris Grover receives the TPSSA Supervisor of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
TPOA Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Dana Harper
Sgt. Dana Harper receives the TPOA Supervisor of the Year award during the Tustin Police DepartmentÕs Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
TPSSA Employee of the Year: Crime Analyst Suzanna Howard
Suzanna Howard receives the Employee of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
TPOA Officer of the Year: Officer Robert Nelson
Officer Robert Nelson receives the Officer of the Year award during the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Lt. Brian Greene and his wife celebrate at the annual Tustin PD Awards Banquet. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Lt. Robert Wright emcees the Tustin Police Department’s Awards Banquet at the Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Tustin PD Sgt. Del Pickney with his wife, Michele, at the Marconi Automotive Museum.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Police Services Officer Megan Evans, left, receives the Community Service Award from Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano. Also on stage receiving the Community Service Award is Marilyn Packer and Adriana Tokar.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
