Behind the Badge
This past Thursday, March 4, the Anaheim Police Department promoted two sergeants, a lieutenant and a member of its professional staff. The APD also welcomed three new police officers to the agency. The department’s training auditorium was overflowing as current employees, friends and family lent their support to the participants.
Lt. Chris Pena started with the Cal State Fullerton Police Department in 1989 and later transferred to the Anaheim Police Department in 1994. He was promoted to sergeant in 2004.
Lt. Pena worked a number of details and is an expert in “Tourist Oriented Policing.” In his most recent assignment, Chris was supervising the Sex Crimes Detail.
Chris is an avid equestrian and has served on the mounted unit for more than 20 years. The equestrian unit is utilized for major events throughout the year.
Chris has a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and a master’s degree in Emergency Management.
Sgt. Jake Gallacher, in his most recent assignment, served as the Youth Services Officer coordinating the police department’s Jr. Cadet Program and as the advisor for the Police Explorer Scout program.
A number of his Jr. Cadets and explorer scouts, dressed in full uniform, were in attendance and cheered enthusiastically when he was introduced.
Sgt. Gallacher started with the Garden Grove Police Department in 1999. He later transferred to the Anaheim Police Department in 2004. He has worked patrol, the Resort Detail, Safe Schools and Youth Services.
Sgt. Gallacher has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Sgt. Phillip Han worked at the Garden Grove Police Department for five years before transferring to the Anaheim Police Department in 2008. He previously was a K-9 officer and worked as a detective in the Family Crimes and Sexual Assault details.
Sgt. Han has a bachelor’s degree in History.
Administrative Analyst Kerrstyn Vega started with the Anaheim Police Department in 2006 in the Records Bureau. Her previous assignments included Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Budget and Finance details. Kerrstyn has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Officer Kenneth Florendo previously served 12 years in the U.S. Navy. In 2005 he was hired by the Pasadena Police Department. His assignments included patrol officer, SWAT officer, gang investigator and burglary detective. He also was a member of a multi-agency major crimes unit. Officer Florendo has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Officer Daniel Heffner began his law enforcement career with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Department in 2003. In 2006, Officer Heffner was hired by the Citrus Heights Police Department. His assignments included, patrol, detectives, bike team, narcotics and SWAT. Officer Heffner also is a certified Koga instructor.
Officer Kevin Moretti was hired by the Kern County Sheriff’s Department in 2006. He later transferred to the Whittier Police Department where he was a member of the SWAT team. Officer Moretti has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
