Behind the Badge
Award recipients at the conclusion of the Santa Ana Police PD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards ceremony gather on stage.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
After another active year dealing with everything from shootings to life-saving to community-building events, the Santa Ana Police Department took a moment to recognize its own.
“I think every opportunity we have to recognize the great work, it’s a cause for celebration,” Chief Robert Rodriguez said.
The 37th annual Employee Recognition and Awards Ceremony honored 46 department employees and volunteers individually.
However, as Rodriguez said, “This is a collective celebration for all of us,” noting that while the awards were individual, families, support staff, and the community deserve recognition.
For the second straight year, the Margaret Webb Theatre filled to the opera seats for the ceremony.
The event closed by naming the Uniformed Officer of the Year, the top rank-and-file officer in the department. For the first time, three finalists were selected with a surprise announcement of the winner at the ceremony. The runners-up received Department-wide Commendations.
The top award went to Officer Kevin Small, who was hired by the department in 2021.
Officer Kevin Small receives the Uniformed Officer of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
“It was stiff competition,” Small said, adding he was grateful for the teachers, mentors, and supervisors for and with whom he worked.
Small was praised for his initiative, leadership, and investigative skills.
During the past year, Small was credited with multiple firearm-related arrests, apprehension of violent offenders, and resolving an armed robbery investigation through thorough detective work and interagency collaboration. He also played a pivotal role in locating a missing child, improving daycare security, and seizing narcotics tied to a robbery suspect.
Of his accomplishments, Small said he was proudest of his firearms seizures.
“That prevents people from getting hurt,” he said.
The runners-up were Officers Matthew Brodeur and Jordan Pereira.
Working on the graveyard shift, Brodeur was kept busy, including a high-risk vehicle pursuit resulting in six gang-related arrests, the apprehension of an armed parolee linked to a shooting, and the swift coordination of a firearms-related arrest. Brodeur also completed more than 250 hours of training to become an Auxiliary Firearms Instructor, Patrol Rifle Instructor, and SWAT operator. He was also picked to become a Field Training Officer.
Pereira played key roles on numerous fronts. As case agent, he helped lead a multi-officer operation that resulted in 10 arrests and significant drug seizures. He also responded to an attempted murder involving a child and provided medical aid for a toddler in distress. He will also become a Field Training Officer for rookie officers.
From the Chief
The ceremony kicked off with Rodriguez passing out five awards of personal recognition, called the Chiefs Awards. The commendations are bestowed annually to employees, teams, and residents for exemplary work.
Retired Det. Farshid Hashempour, who spent eight years investigating to bring a murder to justice, receives the Chief’s Award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Leading the way was retired Detective Farshid Hashempour, who spent eight years working with a federal task force to bring a killer to justice and provide answers for the victim’s family.
In 2016, Claudia Reyes was kidnapped and murdered by her Border Patrol employee husband Eddy Reyes. Her body was never found. Seen with her on the night Claudia disappeared and with a history of domestic abuse and threats, Eddy Reyes was always the prime suspect. But without a body and little physical evidence, the case was difficult to charge and prosecute.
However, Hashempour helped unravel an elaborate alibi, including fake text messages and a bogus Facebook in Claudia Reyes’ name.
Eddy Reyes was indicted in 2021, although he tried to pin the actual killing on his since-deceased half-brother. In 2024, Reyes confessed to a count of kidnapping resulting in death. He reneged on a promise to lead authorities to Claudia’s remains.
According to Rodriguez, Hashempour’s work was “one of perseverance, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of justice.”
“It was really a team effort,” Hashempour said. “At least the family got a little justice. (The confession) just confirmed what we already knew.”
Hashempour has since retired but continues to share his knowledge with the District Attorney’s Office.
Two Santa Ana Police Department teams were recognized as well.
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, center, with recipients of the Chief’s Award, Quality Of Life Team, during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony. Officers from left, Steven Stuczynski, Charles Flemister, Eddie Guitierrez, Scott Fahrney, Chief Rodriguez, Kyle Donaldson, Jeremy Black, Kevin Bell, and Sgt. Kanan Blake. Not in photo include Cpl. Jimmy Correal, Mariel Alvarez and Joshua Coleman.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
First was the Quality of Life Team (QOLT). Formed to address homelessness-related issues and crime across the city in a progressive manner, QOLT collaborates with city agencies and nonprofits.
The team’s activities range from assisting individuals in transitioning off the streets to clearing encampments to enforcing laws against public intoxication and narcotics use. QOLT officers also assist in responding to protests, probation sweeps, and special events.
Key accomplishments in 2024 were:
- 104 felony arrests
- 1,650 misdemeanor arrests
- 450 shelter placements
- 4,900 clean-ups, resulting in removal of tons of trash
- 3,700 transient contacts
- 4,100 patrol checks
- 14,500 My Santa Ana app entry responses.
The Chief presented awards to the following team members:
- Sergeant Kanan Blake
- Corporal Jimmy Correal
- Officers Mariel Alvarez
- Kevin Bell
- Jeremy Black
- Joshua Coleman
- Kyle Donaldson
- Scott Fahrney
- Yazmin Garcia
- Eddie Gutierrez
- Charles Flemister
- Steven Stucznski
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, center, with recipients of the Chief’s Award, Collision Investigation Unit, during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony. Officers, from left, Kelvin Catlin, Keith Briley, Chief Rodriguez, Cpl. Daniel Carrillo and Sgt. Richard Shin. Not in photo, Police Investigative Specialist Monica Graves.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigations Unit (CIU) was recognized after facing an unprecedented workload in 2024, responding to 34 major crash investigations, including 29 fatal collisions — the highest in recent history. The unit successfully identified and prosecuted three fatal hit-and-run drivers.
The Chief’s award went to the following CIU members:
- Det. Sgt. Richard Shin
- Det. Cpl. Daniel Carrillo
- Det. Keith Briley
- Det. Kelvin Catlin
- Spl. Monica Graves.
The Chief also recognized two residents:
Aaron Mateo receives the Chief’s Award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
- Aaron Mateo, a senior at Santa Ana High, was praised for outstanding community service. Mateo donated his DJ services and music for SAPD events, such as Trunk or Treat and Pancakes with Santa
- Lance Emma of Santa Ana recently retired after a 25-year career with Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Emma and the Chapel’s KWVE radio team supported SAPD over the years through outreach events such as providing Easter dinner for on-duty officers on cruising enforcement, bringing an In-N-Out truck for the Chief’s lunch, supporting the Chaplain’s Christmas lunch, and supplying toys to the department through Spark of Love.
Lifesaving medals
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez awards Officers Jeremy Black and Kevin Bell, right, with the the Lifesaving Medal during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Five officers were recognized for their efforts in two life-saving situations.
On August 6, Officers Kevin Bell and Jeremy Black responded to a stabbing near Jerome Park. They found the victim staggering in the middle of the intersection of McFadden Avenue and Sullivan Street and bleeding profusely from multiple stab wounds. As the victim collapsed, the officers got him to the sidewalk and provided aid. Bell located three stab wounds near the heart, liver, and left abdomen and applied pressure to slow bleeding. Black was able to seal the wounds with occlusive dressing from his Individual First Aid kit.
Shortly after the wounds were sealed, the victim regained consciousness and began talking with the officers until paramedics arrived about five minutes later. The victim was taken to UCI Hospital and fully recovered. According to a lead paramedic on the call, their actions directly contributed to the victim’s survival.
On January 7, 2024, shortly after a state bill was enacted that removed the ability of local authorities to restrict cruising, Santa Ana was besieged by a flood of cruising enthusiasts.
Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, left, awards Officers Renald Galstian, Kevin Van Luven and Tanner Bell, right, with the Lifesaving Medal during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Officers Kevin Van Luven, Tanner Bell, and Renald Galstian were part of a team deployed in anticipation of excess cruising and unlawful behavior.
At 7:22 p.m., surrounded by hundreds of cars and thousands of revelers, Van Luven, Bell, and Galstian received a report of a stabbing at the Jack-in-the-Box at Bristol Street and Edinger Avenue. Due to the congestion, the officers had to leave their patrol car and rush on foot to respond. Arriving within a minute of the call, they found the victim lying on the sidewalk with extreme bleeding to his upper extremities, including his upper torso and head.
The three officers were able to treat stab wounds to the head and torso and assess the lower extremities for femoral bleeding. Bell wrapped the victim’s head with gauze to treat a significant wound, while Galstian cleaned the upper torso of significant blood loss and found and treated several other stab wounds to the head.
Orange County Fire Authority medics transported the victim to a local hospital for advanced medical treatment and said the officers’ quick response and teamwork contributed to the victim’s survival. Van Luven and Bell have since become instructors in the Department’s Tactical Emergency Casualty Care course, which has graduated hundreds of officers from multiple agencies in life-saving tactics.
Department-wide Commendations
In addition to the finalists for Uniformed Officer of the Year, two employees received Department-wide Commendations.
Cpl. Kenneth Gray receives the Department-wide Commendation Award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Corporal Kenneth Gray played a pivotal role as the Background & Recruitment Unit Corporal, overseeing the referral of 265 department applicants for background investigations, leading to the successful hiring of over 20 police officers and 35 professional staff members.
He has also spearheaded the use of advanced communications platforms, collaborated with the community to build a physical agility testing wall, and showcased the department with the creation of and collaboration on several high-quality recruitment videos.
Police Communications Supervisor Helen Hernandez receives the Department-wide Commendation Award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Helen Hernandez, who was promoted to Police Communication Supervisor in 2022, is a 24-year veteran at SAPD with a record of exceptional contributions to improving training, operations, and community engagement. She played a key role in introducing innovative “POD” training techniques for dispatchers to enhance trainee success. Hernandez also serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator, organizing Dispatcher Appreciation Week and supporting community events.
Employees of the Year
These individuals distinguished themselves on the basis of consistent and exceptional performance in their duties:
- Dep. Chief.Roland Andrade, Manager of the Year
- Sgt. Daniel Alcala, Sergeant of the Year
- Cpl. Armando Aparicio, Corporal of the Year
- Ofc. Jose Rosales, Field Training Officer of the Year
- Det. Jonathan Kien, Detective of the Year
- Ofc. Jesse Hernandez, Motor Officer of the Year
- Tuc Bui, Professional Staff Supervisor of the Year
- Theresa Parent, Professional Staff Employee of the Year
- Carolina Cervantes, Dispatcher of the Year
- Christopher Sakai Police Records Specialist of the Year
- Adam Jamaica, Explorer of the Year
- Norma Sbabo, Senior Correctional Officer of the Year
- Esteban Salgado, Correctional Officer of the Year
- Isabelle Cruz, Correctional Records Specialist of the Year
- Jeff McKee, Chaplain of the Year
- Rupert Vega, Volunteer of the Year
Cpl. Jose Rosales receives the Field Training Officer of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Det. Jonathan Kien with the Detective of the Year award during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Armando Aparicio with the Corporal of the Year award during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Daniel Alcala receives the Sergeant of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Chaplain Rupert Vega with the Volunteer of the Year award during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Jeff McKee receives the Chaplain of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Sgt. Adam Jamaica receives the Explorer of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Isabelle Cruz receives the Correctional Records Specialist of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Esteban Salgado receives the Correctional Officer of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Norma Sbabo receives the Sr. Correctional Officer of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Christopher Sakai receives the Record Specialist of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Carolina Cervantes receives the Dispatcher of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Forensic Specialist Theresa Parent receives the Professional Staff of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tuc Bui receives the Professional Staff Supervisor of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Deputy Chief Roland Andrade receives the Manager of the Year award from Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez during the SAPD 2024 Employee Recognition & Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
