Behind the Badge
Dan Hughes held up a police badge.
“It’s really important that you understand what a privilege it is to wear a badge,” the Fullerton police chief said in brief remarks at the start of the Fullerton PD Promotions and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 4.
“This badge represents integrity, honor, character, courage and loyalty,” Hughes told the crowd inside the Fullerton Community Center Grand Hall.
“But above all these things,” Hughes said, “this badge represents, and is a symbol of, public trust and confidence. It represents a tremendous amount of authority, but with that authority comes a responsibility that we always conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner.
“If you accept this badge, promise that you never compromise what this badge represents. Be proud of being a police officer, be proud of this department and be proud of this profession.”
Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes talks about the honor of the badge.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Before the new hires, promotions and awards were announced, Hughes thanked family members in the audience.
“We know it’s not always easy being in a relationship with some of us in law enforcement with the holidays and weekends we have to work, but it is your love and support, and most important your patience, that allows our employees to do the incredible job they do in our community,” Hughes said.
The chief then noted that last year in the U.S., 124 police officers were killed in the line of duty. So far this year, 54 more officers made the ultimate sacrifice carrying out what Hughes called the “noble high calling” of police work.
“If you are a member of this police department, I just want you to know we are so appreciative of what you do,” Hughes said. “We value what we do. We don’t tell you that enough, and I apologize for that.”
And then, it was on to the awards and recognition of promotions and new hires:
NEW CADETS
Taylor Henderson, who has a Political Science degree from Hope University, receives her appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Taylor Henderson
Kyle Bishop, who was born and raised in Fullerton, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kyle Bishop
Jonathan Alvaradejo, who has an Associates Degree from Santa Ana College and is working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jonathan Alvaradejo
Jeremy Garcia, a sophomore at Cal State Fullerton pursuing his studies in Political Science, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jeremy Garcia
Elizabeth Gutierrez
Kevin Paxtor, who is attending Fullerton College pursuing a major in Criminal Justice, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kevin Paxtor
Brady Jones, who is attending Cal State Fullerton while working towards his major in Criminal Justice, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Brady Jones
Kevin Piper, who is attending Fullerton College studying Administration of Justice, receives his appointment certificate for the position of Fullerton Police Cadet from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Kevin Piper
NEW CHAPLAIN
FPD Pastor Jason Phillips, left, pins Fullerton PD’s newest chaplain Richard Miller during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Richard Miller, pastor at Crosspoint Friends Church in Fullerton. Photo: Steven Georges
NEW RECORDS CLERK
Angelica Garcia, who holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, center, receives her appointment certificate for the position of Police Records Clerk from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Angelica Garcia
NEW RSVP
Dale Flournoy
NEW PARKING CONTROL AIDE
Grant Miles
NEW RECORDS SPECIALIST
Aimee Cullen, center, receives her certificate of appointment for promotion to Police Records Specialist from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony. Aimee’s husband Trevor Cullen, left, pinned her for the ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Aimee Cullen
NEW JAILER
Rene Valdes, Jr., center, receivers his promotion certificate for full-time jailer from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony. His father, Rene Sr., left, came up to pin him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Rene Valdes, Jr.
NEW DISPATCHERS
Erika Tretsven receives her badge for the position of Police Dispatcher from her boyfriend Drew during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Erika Tretsven receives her certificate of appointment for the position of Police Dispatcher from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Erika Tretsven
Sue Downing (part time, prior full time)
NEW POLICE OFFICERS
Michael Halverson, left, stands with his father, retired Fullerton PD Sgt. Eric Halverson, after receiving his police officer badge from his father during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Michael Halverson
Justin Melendez receives his police officer badge from his parents, Gregory and Margaret, during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Justin Melendez gets a hug from his father Gregory after receiving his police officer badge. Photo: Steven Georges
Justin Melendez gets a kiss from his mother Margaret.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Justin Melendez
Jonathan Ferrell receives his police officer badge from his wife Katie, and son Jaxon, during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jonathan Ferrell
Austin Grogan, a retired Marine who was deployed in Iraq and who has a Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, stands with his wife Anne after receiving his police officer badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Austin Grogan
Bunnath Phot, who previously served as a Marine Corps Reservist, stands with his mother, Sovann, after receiving his police officer badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Bunnath Phot
Joseph Gonzales, who has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of California Riverside, stands with his wife Aimee after receiving his police officer badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Joseph Gonzales
Long Phan, who served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army, receives his police officer badge from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Long Phan
Chad Keen, who returns to the Fullerton PD from the State of Florida where he worked as a police officer and a deputy sheriff, receives his police officer badge from his uncle Vernon during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chad Keen gets a hug from his uncle Vernon.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chad Keen
PROMOTIONS TO CORPORAL
Luis Garcia receives his promotion certificate to the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes before his mother Lourdes, center, pins on his new badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Luis Garcia
Veronica Gardea receives her new badge of Corporal from her husband Eric during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Veronica Gardea, center, receives a promotion certificate to the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony. Veronica husband Eric is with her.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Veronica Gardea
Gary Sirin smiles as he receives a promotion certificate to the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Gary Sirin has his new Corporal badge pinned on him by his kids Elisa and Kirk and wife Joele during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Gary Sirin
Jonathan Miller receives a promotion certificate to the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jonathan Miller, right, stands with his wife, Melissa and father, Bill, after receiving his new badge with the rank of Corporal during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jonathan Miller
James Talbot has his new Corporal badge pinned to him by his wife Erin and kids Tyler, Tanner and Lexie during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
James Talbot stands with his wife Erin and kids Tyler, Tanner and Lexie after receiving his new Corporal badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
James Talbot
Stephen Bailor has his new Corporal badge pinned to him by his kids Cade, Cole and Reed and his wife Summer during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Stephen Bailor smiles as he receives his promotion certificate to the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Stephen Bailor stands with his wife Summer and kids Cade, Cole and Reed after receiving his new Corporal badge during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Stephen Bailor
Ryan O’Neil receives his new Corporal badge from his wife Kathleen during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Ryan O’Neil, center, with his wife Kathleen, receives his promotion certificate and badge with the rank of Corporal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Ryan O’Neil
PROMOTIONS TO SERGEANT
Everyone says happy birthday to Jax as his dad Jon Radus receives his new badge for the rank of Sergeant during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jon Radus receives his promotion certificate and badge for the rank of Sergeant while with his daughter Payton and two sons Cade and Jax during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jon Radus
John Ema receives his promotion certificate for the rank of Sergeant from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chief Dan Hughes greets Pat as her son John Ema receives his new badge for the rank of Sergeant during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
John Ema
Chris Wren has his new badge with the rank of Sergeant pinned to him by his wife Nancy during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chris Wren gets a kiss from his wife Nancy after he received his new badge with the rank of Sergeant during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chris Wren
Jose Arana has his new badge with the rank of Sergeant pinned to him by His parents, Alberto and Martha during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Jose Arana
Tim Kandler
PROMOTIONS TO LIEUTENANT
Mike Chocek has his new badge with the rank of Lieutenant pinned to him by his kids Chrissy and Chase and his wife Teresa during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Mike Chocek stands with his kids Chrissy and Chase and his wife Teresa during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Mike Chocek
Rhonda Cleggett has her new badge with the rank of Lieutenant pinned to her by her partner, Danielle, and daughter Parker during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Rhonda Cleggett stands with her partner, Danielle, and daughter Parker after receiving her new badge with the rank of Lieutenant during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Rhonda Cleggett
Thomas Oliveras has his new badge with the rank of Lieutenant pinned to him by his wife Jillian during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Thomas Oliveras gives a kiss to his wife Jillian after receiving his new badge with the rank of Lieutenant during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Thomas “Oli” Oliveras
PROMOTIONS TO CAPTAIN
John Siko receives his promotion certificate and badge for the rank of Captain from Chief Dan Hughes with his wife Leslie and his mother Charlene next to him during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
John Siko
Scott Rudisil receives his promotion certificate and badge for the rank of Captain from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Scott Rudisil gets a kiss from his wife Joan after receiving his badge for the rank of Captain during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Scott Rudisil
SERVICE AWARDS
Chief’s Certificate of Commendation
This award is given to those employees who distinguish themselves by performing their assigned tasks in a manner above and beyond the written job description; demonstrating the highest standards of police conduct or humanitarianism in a single operation, incident or investigation.
Lt. Thomas Oliveras receives the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for an incident involving gang members under fire.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cpl. David Becerra receives the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for an incident involving gang members under fire.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cpl. Jonathan Miller receives the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for an incident involving gang members under fire.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Officer Kevin Kirkreit receives the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for an incident involving gang members under fire.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Lt. Thomas Oliveras, Cpl. David Becerra, Cpl. Jonathan Miller and Officer Kevin Kirkreit — On May 12, 2012, Officer Kirkreit attempted to stop a vehicle for vehicle code violations. The vehicle fled the scene and a pursuit ensued. The suspect’s vehicle promptly crashed into the flood control channel at the corner of Gilbert and Malvern.
As responding units arrived, a suspect exited the vehicle in the flood control channel and quickly hid underneath the Gilbert overpass. The suspect then ran into a tunnel adjacent to the flood control channel and within minutes, he emerged with a handgun, and began firing at the officers.
Officer Kirkreit, then Sgt. Oliveras, Corp. Becerra, Officer Rodriguez and Officer Miller returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect was mortally wounded and was pronounced dead at the scene. Unbeknownst to officers on scene, a second suspect had secreted himself inside the same tunnel and was hiding from officers. The second suspect was taken into custody without incident.
The two suspects were known La Habra gang members who had been involved in a shooting in La Habra prior to Officer Kirkreit attempting to stop their vehicle.
This incident, which began as a vehicle pursuit, evolved from a life-saving operation once the occupied vehicle crashed into the flood channel and then into a deadly gun battle as officers were attempting to rescue the occupants of the vehicle following crash.
These officers demonstrated tremendous restraint, courage and professionalism in the face of great danger.
Jim Talbot receives the Chief’s Certificate of Commendation during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Corp. Jim Talbot — In mid-January 2015, Chief Dan Hughes received a personnel complaint about a contact that had been recorded on a recently issued Body Worn Camera. Chief Hughes reviewed the video footage and was able to determine that not only did the complainant not have a claim, but in fact he believed that the officer acted so professionally and reasonably that a commendation was warranted for his handling of the incident, his professionalism and his restraint.
On Jan. 19, 2015, then Officer Talbot was dispatched to the 2300 block of Iris Court regarding vandalism in progress. Officer Talbot located a male who matched the description of the suspect given by the reporting party. Officer Talbot attempted to detain the male — however, he refused to comply and began to walk away.
Officer Talbot attempted to detain the male by physically restraining him with his hands. The male broke free of Officer Talbot’s grasp and began to walk away, again not listening to verbal commands to stop.
As the subject broke free, he concealed his hands in his waistband as if attempting to arm himself with a weapon. Officer Talbot deployed his Taser and the subject was taken into custody.
Officer Talbot demonstrated incredible restraint and utilized minimal force during this encounter.
Medal of Merit
John Ema receives the Fullerton PD’s Medal of Merit during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. John Ema — The Medal of Merit is awarded for extraordinary performance of duties that brings significant status or recognition to the department. In 2013, then-Corp. John Ema had the idea to create a peer support program at Fullerton PD. Corp. Ema conducted research, contacted other peer support providers and began attending regular meetings of peer support coordinators countywide.
Corp. Ema learned that peer support programs were being created countywide to address the concerns over the lack of mental health resources for first responders. He took the information he gathered and worked it into a viable framework for what is now the FPD Peer Support Program.
The FPD peer support team members meet regularly, train and confer with each other to seek out best practices for supporting FPD personnel. Corp. Ema is deserving of the Medal of Merit for his time, commitment and dedication to the well being of others.
Life Saving
Corp. Mike Bova receives the Life Saving Medal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for his role in saving a 1-year-old baby who had fallen in the pool and stopped breathing.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Corp. Mike Bova — On June 11, 2014, Officers Frank Nguyen and Josh Manes were dispatched Code 3 (lights and sirens) to 2210 Domingo Road for a call of a 1-year-old baby who had fallen in the pool and was not breathing. Corp. Bova, who was on an unrelated call at St. Jude, heard the call go out and realized how far the other two officers were from Domingo Road. He quickly cleared his call at the hospital and responded to the call for help.
Corp. Bova arrived first and began chest compressions to the baby who had since turned blue. After three to four minutes, the fire department arrived and immediately transported the baby to St. Jude Hospital. Corp. Bova, Officer Nguyen and Officer Manes worked together to block intersections for the ambulance to expedite the transportation. The baby regained a pulse at St. Jude, and after being stabilized was transported to CHOC Children’s. The ER doctor at St. Jude said the quick response to the hospital most likely saved the child’s life. This is Corp. Bova’s second life-saving award.
Sgt. Craig Odom, left, and Officer Jae Song receive the Life Saving Medal from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony for their role reviving a women who had stopped breathing.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. Craig Odom and Officer Jae Song — on Sept. 12, 2014, a citizen in the area of Harbor and Whiting hailed Officer Jae Song. The reporting party was concerned about his coworker, who was despondent, had taken pills and had made suicidal statements to him.
Officer Song and Sgt. Odom responded to her apartment in Anaheim, and after receiving no answer at the front door, they walked to the side of the apartment. Officer Song saw through a bedroom window, a female apparently unconscious on her bed. Believing she was in need of immediate assistance, Officer Song made entry by climbing through the window.
Upon checking her vitals, they noted she was not breathing. The two immediately began CPR for three cycles, after which time she regained consciousness. The paramedics arrived shortly thereafter and transported her to a local hospital for further treatment.
Officer Song’s and Sgt. Odom’s efforts in locating the victim and administering CPR resulted in saving this young woman’s life. This is the second life-saving award for Sgt. Odom.
Medal of Bravery
Corp. Jonathan Miller receives the Medal of Bravery from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Officer Kyle Baas, center, receives the Medal of Bravery from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Corp. Jonathan Miller, left, and Officer Kyle Baas receive the Medal of Bravery from Chief Dan Hughes during Fullerton PD’s Promotions and Awards Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Corp. Jonathan Miller and Officer Kyle Baas — This medal is awarded to employees who are involved in an act of bravery that may have been life threatening. The act was above and beyond the call of duty. This also includes any act of courage in which the recipient exposes himself or herself to hazardous conditions while displaying courage and devotion to duty while using excellent judgment in accomplishing their mission.
On Aug. 28, 2012, Corp. H. Garcia and Officer Wright attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle on the westbound 91 Freeway at Brookhurst Street. A vehicle pursuit that lasted approximately 17 minutes and covered a distance of nearly 21 miles quickly ended in the 17200 block of Palo Verde in Bellflower.
The suspect entered the cul-de-sac street and turned around. Upon reaching the end of the street, the suspect turned and proceeded southbound, driving head on with Officer Miller’s police vehicle. Officer Miller attempted to avert the collision. The suspect collided with Officer Miller’s vehicle, causing him to careen into a Southern California Edison power pole. The suspect’s vehicle then hit a parked truck, rolled and returned upright onto its wheels.
Both Officer Baas and Officer Miller exited their vehicles and moved up on foot to make contact with the suspect. Each officer had their weapons at the ready while giving verbal commands for the suspect to stop and exit his vehicle. The suspect disregarded the commands and drove northbound back to the dead end of the cul de sac.
The suspect then drove his vehicle up a curb, over the sidewalk, past metal barricades, and up an embankment adjacent to the 91 Freeway. The suspect’s vehicle became entangled in the fencing. Believing that the suspect was going to flee on foot, additional FPD officers approached the driver’s side of the vehicle.
The suspect then accelerated his vehicle in reverse toward officers, who were on foot approaching. In the lawful defense of self and defense of others, Officer Baas and Officer Miller fired their handguns, striking the suspect.
FPD personnel began immediate life-saving measures on the suspect; however, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Because of their actions that night and their courageous calm in spite of great danger, Officer Baas and Officer Miller are deserving of the Medal of Bravery.
