The Anaheim PD held an emotional ceremony on Wed., Aug. 12, for four officers who recently were promoted and for three who just joined the APD from other law enforcement agencies.
One officer in particular, Sgt. Todd Kridle, was on everyone’s mind.
Kridle, a 25-year veteran of the APD, lost a battle with cancer earlier the same day, leaving behind a wife and four children.
“Today’s a great day,” Chief Raul Quezada said in brief comments to kick off the hour-long ceremony in a room packed with cops and relatives of the officers being honored.
“The Anaheim Police Department is a very professional and progressive organization, and we are so fortunate to attract the highest quality of officers and other professionals,” Quezada said.
“This is a very happy day for us, a celebration, but it also is bittersweet…It’s very hard for us here because this is a very tight family.
“I miss (Kridle) already, as we all do. We’re going to continue to move forward but we will never forget Todd. He will always be in our hearts. He will always be part of the Anaheim Police Department.”
PROMOTIONS
Lt. Lorenzo Glenn
Glenn, 48, is the first African American lieutenant in the history of the APD.
The married father of four is a graduate of Fountain Valley High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Montana and a master’s degree in emergency services administration from Cal State Long Beach.
Glenn started his career in law enforcement in 1991 at the Westminster PD and joined the APD two years later. After working patrol, the gang unit, street narcotics, traffic and auto theft, Lorenzo was promoted to sergeant in 2003.
In his speech Wednesday, Lorenzo noted it took him six tries before he successfully tested for the rank of lieutenant.
He recalled the time a couple of year ago when Deputy Chief Julian Harvey walked into his office and asked what was wrong with him.
“What are you talking about?” Glenn responded.
“You’re angry,” Harvey said.
They talked, and Harvey told him: “You’re at a crossroads. You can choose to be happy, or you can choose to be disgruntled and angry.”
Glenn chose the first path.
In his comments, Glenn mentioned Kridle.
“I know he’s smiling down upon all of us,” he said.
Glenn’s wife, Dana, and mother, Kiyoko, pinned on his lieutenant badge.
Sgt. Jonathan Bailey
Bailey, 38, is married with two sons and a daughter — all under 6 years old.
The native of Long Beach graduated from Saint Anthony High School in 1995 and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Cal State Long Beach.
Bailey was hired by the APD in 1998 and has worked patrol, DARE, safe schools, resort policing, family protection and on the tactical negotiations unit.
The CrossFit fanatic thanked his wife and other relatives and thanked his young children for “renewing his life” by allowing him to see the world through kids’ eyes.
Bailey also gave a shout-out to his close mentor, Det. Julissa Trapp.
“I would not be where I’m at without you,” Bailey said of Det. Trapp.
The new sergeant also remarked: “Life is short…there will never be a perfect time to pursue your dreams and goals, so live loud.”
Kridle was Bailey’s supervisor for a few years.
“That guy was my friend,” Bailey said. “We didn’t talk about police work. We talked about life.”
Bailey’s children collectively pinned on his sergeant badge.
Sgt. Kelly Phillips
Phillips, 44, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended the University of Utah, where he received his bachelor’s degree in physiology.
Phillips worked for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before joining the APD in August 2002. He has worked patrol, gangs, crime task force, as a primary response officer and SWAT.
He is a past recipient of an APD Distinguished Service Award.
In his free time Phillips competes in triathlons, camping and fishing. He has a 14-year-old daughter.
In his remarks, Phillips emphasized his parents’ legacy.
“They provided a great family environment for us…they taught us that we can achieve anything we want to through goal-setting….The key is your attitude. You run into things along the way, but you’ve got to have a good attitude to get through the bumps.”
Phillips said his parents emphasized patriotism, civic duty and leadership.
Consequently, “Naturally, when I got hired as a police officer,” Phillips said, “I planned on this day coming. The key thing to me is doing the right thing and working really hard.”
Phillips said of Kridle, “We’re all going to miss him.”
Phillips’ niece pinned on his sergeant badge.
Sgt. Stephen Craig
Craig, 45, was born in Omaha, Neb. He graduated from San Clemente High School in 1988.
The Buena Park PD hired Craig in 1998.
On May 30, 2007, he was hired by the APD, where he has worked patrol, family crimes and SSU.
Craig kept his comments very brief.
“I’m honored to be here and am thankful to all of you who guided me to this day and I look forward to this opportunity and continuing to serve the city of Anaheim,” Craig said.
Craig’s brother, Sgt. Dave Craig from the Los Angeles Police Department, pinned on Craig’s sergeant badge.
NEW OFFICERS
Mark Gell
Gell, 35, is married with four children — all boys — ages 3 to 8. The native of Orange graduated from Chino High School in 1998.
Gell graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
He began his law enforcement career in 2003 at the Long Beach PD where he worked patrol, directed enforcement, gangs, financial crimes, advanced officer training and SWAT.
Gell enjoys spending his free time with his family, mountain biking, playing indoor soccer, fishing and golf.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this department,” Gell said. “It was a big move for me, but from the people I’ve spoken with I know this is going to be a great place to work….I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Gell’s wife, Kirsten, pinned on his badge.
Tyler Michael Kisslan
Kisslan, 23, was born in Riverside but grew up in Anaheim. He graduated from Canyon High School in 2009. He received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton.
In 2014, Kisslan was hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. as a booking deputy at Century Station.
He enjoys working out, playing golf, spending time with his family and going to Ducks and Angels games.
“My heart goes out to the Anaheim Police Department family,” Kisslan said of Kridle. “I didn’t know him personally, but I just wanted to let everyone here know that my heart goes out to everyone.”
Kisslan’s parents, Todd and Suzie, pinned on his badge.
Kurt William Lockwood
Lockwood, 29, was born in Arcadia and graduated from Charter Oaks High School.
He graduated from the Los Angeles Police Academy in 2007 and worked patrol in the 77th, Mission and Southeast divisions. Lockwood also worked in the gang unit.
“I just want to say thank you to the Anaheim Police Department for giving me this opportunity to come over here and be a part of this great place,” Lockwood said.
In his free time, Lockwood enjoys working out, going to the beach and to the river, and taking his 3-year-old son to Disneyland.
Lockwood’s father, Ken, pinned on his badge.