Behind the Badge
Anaheim Police Sgt. Todd Kridle was an ideal candidate for lieutenant, officials say.
However, before he formally could be promoted, Kridle, 49, a married father of four young children, lost a battle to stomach cancer Aug. 11.
Friends, family and fellow officers gathered Thursday, Aug. 27, as Kridle was posthumously promoted to lieutenant during a fundraiser in his honor at the Astor Classics Event Center.
Anaheim PD Deputy Chief Julian Harvey with Anne Kridle during Todd Kridle’s posthumous promotion to lieutenant. Photo by John Roman
The Anaheim Police Association and APD’s Peer Support Team sponsored the event, which included dinner, a silent auction and live music, with proceeds benefitting the immediate family.
About $16,000 was raised for the Kridle family.
“Todd would have been promoted,” said Anaheim Deputy Chief Julian Harvey. “He was a fantastic sergeant and would have made an amazing lieutenant.
“Lt. Kridle has a nice ring to it.”
Kridle’s wife, Anne, was brought to the stage to accept the promotion.
She was presented an official lieutenant badge — No. 58, the number Todd would have had — collar bars and a framed promotion letter.
Happy Medina, peer support member and lead coordinator for the Anaheim PD fundraising event, presents Anne Kridle, wife of Anaheim PD Sgt. Todd Kridle, who recently passed away from cancer, with a keepsake memento put together by the peer support team that includes the fingerprint and signature of each peer support member to make a tree. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“This is so unexpected,” Anne said. “Thank you all. I know Todd is out there, and he is happy to see all the love and support. I am so grateful for everyone who came tonight.
“I have my moments, but I know he is there with me.”
Colleagues talked about Kridle’s contribution to the department, including his dedication to the Peer Support Program.
Adopted by many agencies in the county, the program includes sworn and non-sworn employees who provide a confidential environment for individuals to talk about any issues they may be having — professional or personal.
If an individual requires additional assistance, they are referred to an outside professional.
With Anaheim Sgt. Darrin Lee next to her, Anne Kridle, wife of Anaheim PD Sgt. Todd Kridle, looks over a keepsake memento put together by the peer support team at the Anaheim PD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“Todd was one of the original members of our peer support group, (which) was one of the first in the county at the time,” said Officer Sarah Shirvany. “Todd captured the essence of what peer support is all about. He was always there for you when you needed him.
“He helped hundreds of people within our department and other departments. He will always have a special place in our hearts.”
Added fellow peer officer Lorenzo Glenn: “To say that he was one of the nicest men I will ever meet is an understatement. I was promoted to lieutenant a month ago, but it was bittersweet. It really was Todd’s position to have.”
The Peer Support Team plans on continuing this event annually as a charity fundraiser to benefit the local community.
To read another Behind the Badge OC story about Kridle, click here.
Anne Kridle with her two friends since high school, Lorraine Drown, left, and Lorri Smith. The three went to La Mirada High back in 1990.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Friends, coworkers and family fill the room during an Anaheim PD fundraiser for Anne Kridle and her four kids after her husband, Anaheim PD Sgt. Todd Kridle, passed away from cancer.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Classic cars fill the room during an Anaheim PD fundraiser for Anne Kridle and her four kids. Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Anne Kridle makes some comments after her husband was promoted to lieutenant posthumously by APD Deputy Chief Julian Harvey. Photo by John Roman
Photo by John Roman
