Bittersweet day as Anaheim PD loses officer, welcomes new ones, promotes others

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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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada welcomes a standing room only crowd of family, coworkers and friends attending the promotional ceremony of seven officers. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada welcomes a standing-room-only crowd of relatives, coworkers and friends attending the ceremony for seven officers — four of them promoted and three just hired by the APD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

“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

Lorenzo Glenn receives his lieutenant badge pinned to him by his mother Kiyoko and his wife Dana, left, during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Lorenzo Glenn receives his lieutenant badge pinned to him by his mother, Kiyoko, and his wife Dana, left, during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, hands Lorenzo Glenn his new lieutenant badge, Anaheim PD’s first African American lieutenant, during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada hands Lorenzo Glenn his new lieutenant badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Six-year-old Owen, left, pins an Anaheim PD sergeant badge to his father, Jonathan Bailey, with the help of Jonathan’s other two kids, Logan, 5, and Samantha, 3, during a promotional ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Jonathan Bailey’s 6-year-old son pins an Anaheim PD sergeant badge on him with the help of his brother and sister during a promotional ceremony Aug. 12 at APD headquarters.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada gets a high-five from 3-year-old Samantha as her father Jonathan Bailey, left, receives a promotion to sergeant during a promotional ceremony. His two sons Owen, 6, left, and Logan, 5, helped with the pinning of the badge. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada gets a high-five from the daughter of new Sgt. Jonathan Bailey.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, hands Kelly Phillips his new sergeant badge during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada hands Kelly Phillips his new sergeant badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Allie pins an Anaheim PD sergeant badge to her uncle Kelly Phillips during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

The niece of new Anaheim PD Sgt. Kelly Phillips pins a badge on her uncle.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

“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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, hands Stephen Craig his new sergeant badge during a promotional ceremony at Anaheim PD headquarters. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada hands Stephen Craig his new sergeant badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Stephen Craig gets his new Anaheim sergeant badge pinned to him by Sgt. Dave Craig from the Los Angeles PD during a promotional ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Stephen Craig gets his new Anaheim sergeant badge pinned to him by his brother, Sgt. Dave Craig, from the Los Angeles PD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

“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 receives his Anaheim officer badge, after moving from Long Beach PD, from his wife Kirsten during a promotional ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Mark Gell receives his Anaheim officer badge from his wife Kirsten.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Mark Gell stands with his family, wife Kirsten and four kids, Logan, 8, Blake, 6, and twins Easton and Braden, 3, after receiving his Anaheim officer badge. Gell comes from Long Beach PD. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Mark Gell stands with his family after receiving his Anaheim officer badge. Gell comes from the Long Beach PD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

“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 Kisslan gets his new Anaheim PaD officers badge pinned to him by his xxx during a promotional ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Tyler Kisslan gets his new Anaheim PD officer’s badge pinned to him by his mother Suzie during a promotional ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, hands Tyler Kisslan his new Anaheim PD officers badge during a promotional ceremony. Kisslan comes from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada hands Tyler Kisslan his new Anaheim PD officer’s badge. Kisslan comes from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

“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.

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada, left, hands Kurt Lockwood his new Anaheim PD officers badge during a promotional ceremony. Kisslan comes from the Los Angeles PD. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim Police Chief Raul Quezada hands Kurt Lockwood his new Anaheim PD officer’s badge during a promotional ceremony. Kisslan comes from the LAPD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

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.

Three-year-old Kaden places his hand on his father’s new Anaheim PD officers badge after Kurt Lockwood receives the new badge during a promotional ceremony as Kurt’s father Ken, left, stands on stage with him. Lockwood comes from the Los Angeles PD. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

The 3-year-old son of new APD Officer Kurt Lockwood hands his father his badge as Lockwood’s father, Ken, stands on stage with him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim PD Lt. Lorenzo Glenn, Anaheim PD’s first African American lieutenant, back row fifth from left, stands with his family who came to watch him receive his new lieutenant badge during a promotional ceremony. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

Anaheim PD Lt. Lorenzo Glenn, Anaheim PD’s first African American lieutenant, back row fifth from left, stands with relatives and friends who came to watch him receive his new lieutenant badge during a promotional ceremony Aug. 12 at the APD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

A standing room only crowd of family, coworkers and friends fill the briefing room at Anaheim PD headquarters for a promotional ceremony of seven officers. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC

A standing-room-only crowd of relatives, coworkers and friends fill the briefing room at Anaheim PD headquarters for the ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC