Behind the Badge
Whether it was thwarting a crime or saving a life, the men and women honored at the 48th Annual Pasadena Police Department Police-Citizens Award Ceremony exemplified “The Pasadena Way: Excellence, Innovation and Integrity.
The annual event, held at the Ambassador Auditorium on May 30, recognized police officers whose acts of selfless service included: rescuing drowning individuals, saving the life of a gunshot victim and solving cases involving violent predators.
Det. Matthew Crawford received a Medal of Merit for his investigation that led to the Sept. 27, 2018 arrest of a 51-year old man believed responsible for three sexual assaults reported to Pasadena PD over a two-month period in 2018.
Sgt. Richard Padilla was also awarded a Medal of Merit for developing a mentoring program for Pasadena PD cadets, making improvements to the K9 Unit and reestablishing the Neighborhood Action Team, a highly visible unit of officers patrolling neighborhoods on bicycles.
The Neighborhood Action Team was singled out for playing a role in the August 2018 arrest of 30 gang members suspected of multiple crimes along with the seizure of 11 guns.
Receiving community service awards were a Burbank firefighter who saved the life of a suicidal individuals and pair of citizens who apprehended a murder suspect.
“This event is a reminder for all of us that we all have a responsibility each and every day, on duty, off duty, as community members, whoever it might be, that we make our communities better in all that we are doing,” Pasadena Police Chief John Perez said. “At the same time, if there are moments for us to take action, we will, because that is our responsibility to one another.
Employee service awards were also given to 22 police department employees for 25, 30 and 35 years of service.
Darin Craddolph is recognized for 35 years of service presented to Police Department Employees for dedicated service to the city of Pasadena during the 48th Annual Police-Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Ambassador Auditorium, May 30, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
The Explorer of the Year Award went to Amaiya Drew, who has set lofty goals for herself and, thanks to Explorer Post 19, has not doubt she will achieve them.
“I’m really proud of myself that I was able to get this award, but I’m not going to start here,” Drew said. “I’m going to keep going and striving for more. I want to be a police officer for about 25 years and that I’m going to transfer out and become a district attorney.”
asadena Police Chief John Perez, left, shakes hands with Cuong Pham for his 30 years of service presented to Police Department Employees for dedicated service to the city of Pasadena during the 48th Annual Police-Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Ambassador Auditorium, May 30, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
Award winners were:
Certificate of Community Service
Awarded to city employees or citizens who have performed an outstanding deed to contributed significantly to the community or assisted to the Pasadena PD.
Burbank firefighter Kyle Sauer – helped save the life of suicidal individual.
Pasadena Social and Mental Health Division Manager Angelica Palmeros – partnered with the police department in reintegrating previously incarcerated individuals back into the community.
Ruben Lopez and Daniel Trevino – took courageous and selfless actions to arrest a violent murder suspect.
Medal of Merit
Presented to a member of the police department for distinguished and outstanding service of an exemplary nature.
Sgt. Richard Padilla – helped reestablish the Neighborhood Action Team, improved the K9 Unit and developed a mentoring program of Pasadena Police Cadets
Cpl. Matthew Crawford – investigated and solved a sexual assault case spanning several cities and states and involving multiple victims
Pasadena Police Chief John Perez and Rocky Tavera from the Beverly Hills Police Department after Officer Tavera received the Life-Saving Medal during the 48th Annual Police-Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Ambassador Auditorium, May 30, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
Life Saving Medal
Awarded to a member of the police department whose actions directly result in saving a life.
Cpl. Jose Urita – acted quickly to help save the life of a drowning individual.
Off. Jack Preston – helped save the life of a suicidal man.
Officers Justin Fujiwara, Luis Cervantes and Rocky Tavera – acted quickly and courageously to save the life of a gunshot victim.
Security Ranger Nick Ortiz – helped save the life of a suicidal individual.
Explorer of the Year
Cpl. Amaiya Drew – went above and beyond meeting the minimum criteria of the program and exhibited superior dedication and positive attitude.
Employee Service Awards
35 years – Lorna Blaine, Alejandro Peinado, Darin Craddolph, Shannon Sapp, Jayce Ward.
30 years – Efren Chavez, Ernesto Davis, Paul Granados, Alejandro Lostaunau, Rosa Nuno, Cuong Pham, Carlos Sainz, Robin Stinson, Richard Stinson, Richard Vindiola, Alonzo Wilkins.
25 years – Arthur Chute, Robert Gaudet, Mark Goodman, Alicia Patterson, Marie Sell, Chris Sharma, John Watkins.
Mark Goodman is congratulated by Pasadena Police Chief John Perez for 25 years of service presented to Police Department Employees for dedicated service to the city of Pasadena during the 48th Annual Police-Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Ambassador Auditorium, May 30, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
Pasadena Police Officer Jack Preston receives the Life-Saving Medal in recognition of his quick and courageous actions that resulted in saving the life of a suicidal individual during the 48th Annual Police-Citizens Awards Ceremony at the Ambassador Auditorium, May 30, 2019. (photo by James Carbone)
