Behind the Badge
In the midst of the holiday season, while Pasadena Police Department was in deep preparation mode for “America’s New Year Celebration,” there was a group of newly-retired police officers who were going to watch the Rose Parade from the comfort of their living room.
A first in nearly 30 years for many of these officers.
This year Pasadena PD said goodbye to 14 of police officers for the year, with nine leaving in November and December.
“All of these officers have grown up together, they have hundreds of years of experience combined and it is hard to lose them,” said Chief John Perez at the December 19th retirement luncheon held at the Pasadena Police Department.
Pasadena Police Officers who are retiring in 2019 pose for a picture during Retirement Burger Bash at the Pasadena Police Department on December 19, 2019. “This is one of largest group of Pasadena Police retirees in the last 30-40 years.” (Photo by James Carbone)
December is the Department’s busier months, not just because of parade preparations, but also because it is peak retirement season for officers who turn in their badges before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
This year retirees included:
- Mike Ingram: He was with Pasadena PD for 31 years having started in January 1988. The majority of his career was overseeing the Department’s Air Support Section and was a helicopter pilot.
- Mike Villalovos: One of the Department’s most senior employees with 36 years of service. He started in April 1983 and worked a variety of different assignments, most notably Homicide/Assaults desk.
- Glenn Thompson: Known for his dedication to Pasadena’s youth, Sgt. Thompson began working with the Pasadena PD in December 1988.
- Robin Fluker-Stinson: An award winning body-builder, Cpl. Stinson worked at the Pasadena PD since October 1989 and spent a substantial amount of her career as a sexual assault detective.
- Alonzo Wilkins: Started his law enforcement career with Pasadena PD in May 1989 and was a motor/traffic officer for a significant portion of his career.
- Tom Brown: Has been with Pasadena PD since December 1986, he found a niche working in the Department’s K9 section where he was a K9 handler and trainer.
- Robert Calcanas: A local Pasadena resident, he joined the Department in March 1990 and because of his local ties, found helping the Pasadena community a very personal endeavor. His most impactful assignment was working as a Field Training Officer (FTO).
- Darryl Harris: An original member of the Department’s Crisis Negotiation Team and member of the defunct Pasadena PD cop band Rapid Response, Officer Harris joined Pasadena PD in October 1990.
- Rich Vindiola: Since October 1989, Officer Vindiola made contributions to the Neighborhood Policing model known as the Villa Parke Project and enjoyed working with kids in schools.
“I don’t know what I am going to do yet,” said Lt. Mike Ingram, who had been with the Pasadena PD since 1988. “I know it’s going to be hard. And even when I come visit things will be different, I won’t be a part of it anymore. “
Pasadena Police Chief John Perez talks with guests during Retirement Burger Bash at the Pasadena Police Department on December 19, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
The retirement party held in the back lot of the Pasadena Police Department brought together the entire department to honor the group who had made an imprint on the community for the last 25 to 35 years.
Retired Sergeant Clyde Ito spoke to the upcoming retirees, thanked them for their service and noted this group of experienced officers had done a lot for the Pasadena community and Department.
“Retirement is hard for any profession,” said Ito. “But, retirement from this job is tough. There is a connection that always tugs. It’s a career that lingers.”
Pasadena Police Officers Richard Vindiola, left, Sgt. Glenn Thompson and Robert Calcanas all retiring in 2019 pose for a picture during Retirement Burger Bash at the Pasadena Police Department on December 19, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
Pasadena Police 2019 retirees sit with guests eating Tommy’s Burgers for lunch during Retirement Burger Bash at the Pasadena Police Department on December 19, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
