Behind the Badge
The 33-year tenure of Police Chief Dan Hughes as a member of the Fullerton Police Department is days away from ending.
Hughes accepted a job as vice president of security and emergency services at the Disneyland Resort, and his last day at FPD is Nov. 11.
Organizers of Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership, better known as OC GRIP, weren’t about to let the chief go away without celebrating his contributions to the nonprofit.
In early 2015, Hughes was in large part responsible for bringing GRIP into Maple, Topaz and Woodcrest elementary schools, all located in neighborhoods where gangs exist, and he continues to be involved in the program.
Fullerton PD Chief Dan Hughes smiles as he receives a surprise honor from OC GRIP (Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership) during a GRIP meeting at Fullerton Police headquarters Monday.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Before the monthly GRIP meeting got underway at the Fullerton Police Department Tuesday, Nov. 1, Assistant District Attorney Tracy Miller, who oversees and helped form GRIP, surprised Hughes with an award in recognition for his involvement.
“You treat people with kindness,” Miller said to Hughes. “You tell the truth. You do the right thing even though it might not be popular. You have done a fabulous job being partners with the DA’s office. We are truly going to miss you.”
The law enforcement-led program works with elementary schools, parents, churches and corporate sponsors to keep at-risk kids out of gangs.
GRIP targets fourth- through eighth-graders who typically are struggling in the classroom, have poor attendance or behavioral issues.
Tamika Williams, a deputy district attorney for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, honors Fullerton PD Chief Dan Hughes with a surprise award at an OC GRIP meeting.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
GRIP also partners with local agencies to provide families with counseling, parental classes and after-school education, while providing incentives such as turkey dinners for an entire family and trips to Angels’ games for students who get back on the right track.
Hughes himself often has helped hand out the turkey dinners while praising the students for their efforts.
“I’m very humbled and the reality is that you are giving me recognition for something that I really haven’t done,” Hughes said of the award. “It’s really been the GRIP team.”
GRIP was launched in two north Orange County schools in 2007 and since has spread to more than 50 elementary schools throughout the county.
“GRIP has really made a commitment to change lives,” Hughes said. “It is such an honor to be a part of what GRIP stands for.”
Fullerton PD Chief Dan Hughes smiles as he is surprised by OC GRIP with an award honoring him for his partnership with the organization.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fullerton PD Chief Dan Hughes receives a hug from Orange County Assistant District Attorney Tracy Miller.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Fullerton PD Chief Dan Hughes thanks OC GRIP members and Fullerton PD officers who came to honor him at an OC GRIP meeting Monday.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
OC GRIP (Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership) award presented to Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
