Behind the Badge
The Tustin Police Department brought back another pandemic-delayed tradition with a swearing in, pinning, and promotion ceremony for five of its employees.
For the first time since 2020, the department was able to recognize new hires and promotions with a public ceremony. In an auditorium across the hall from a community room where early voting was being conducted, family members and more than 20 officers from the Tustin Police Department gathered to honor their comrades.
“It feels odd, but in a good way,” said Police Chief Stu Greenberg. “We just got out of practice. It feels good to be here.”
The Tustin Police Department Honor Guard posts the colors at the start of their swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
In the wake of authorities declaring a health emergency in Orange County with the triple threat of still-circulating strains of the coronavirus, the onset of flu season, and a recent spread of the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), it was an open question whether similar events soon might have to be shut down once again.
Although all of the honorees at the Wednesday ceremony have been on the job for a while, the employees and their families were happy for the formal and shared recognition.
“I’m glad there was something finally open to the public,” said Michele Garcia, mother to honoree Anita Garcia, and one of seven family members on hand.
Tustin Police Chief Stu Greenberg welcomes everyone before swearing-in five people during a Tustin Police Department ceremony. Sgt. Colton Kirwan is behind him.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Sgt. Colt Kirwan, who emceed the ceremony, stressed the family feel on which the Tustin Police Department prides itself.
“(Tustin Police Department) operates a lot like a family. It’s said blood makes you related, but loyalty makes you family,” Kirwan said.
Greenberg wryly remarked on the long period between Wednesday’s ceremony and the one before.
Tustin Police Records Specialist Anita Garcia has her new badge pinned to her by her brother, Francisco, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
“What’s happened in 2 ½ years? Not much,” Greenberg said, noting his hair has started to go gray due to recent challenges. Since the last pinning ceremony, the area has suffered a pandemic, social upheaval in the streets in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, and deepening divisions throughout society. What has held in Tustin is the bond between the members of the police department.
“This is a close-knit group,” Greenberg said. “We support, pick up, and recognize each other. I don’t think you’ll find a closer group anywhere.”
Tustin Police Records Specialist Anita Garcia with her brother, Francisco, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
The honorees were:
- Robert Ward, Police Sergeant. Ward has been with the Tustin Police Department since joining as a recruit in 2013. The Long Beach native has worked patrol, been a detective in general and special investigations, and served as a field training officer. He was officially promoted in August.
- Mackenzie Newman, Executive Assistant. A native of Whittier, Newman was a police dispatcher in Whittier from 2014 to 2017 before being hired as a part-time administrative assistant in Tustin in April 2021. She was promoted to her current position in September.
- Brian Welde, Police Services Officer. Aspiring to be a sworn officer for the Tustin Police Department in the future, and the son of Tustin Sgt. Dave Welde, the Santiago Community College student was hired as a part-time PSO in December 2021 and was promoted to full time in May.
- Anita Garcia, Police Records Specialist. A graduate of Cal State Long Beach with a degree in Business Marketing, she was hired by the Tustin Police Department in February after three years as a Police Records Specialist with the Fullerton Police Department.
Tustin Police Services Officer Brian Welde has his new badge pinned to him by his mother, Janet, and father, Tustin Police Sergeant Dave Welde, during a swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
After having their badges pinned to their uniforms by family members, the honorees were collectively sworn in, taking the traditional oath to office.
Welde, who was pinned by his mom and dad, said his father is a role model and that he wants to apply for the O.C. Sheriff’s Academy when he is ready.
Newman was delighted to have her two kids attending and the opportunity to be pinned by her daughter, Elin.
“It’s a big deal,” she said.
Tustin Police Services Officer Brian Welde with his father, Tustin Police Sergeant Dave Welde, and mother, Janet, during a swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Police Communications Officer Maddison Flores has her new badge pinned to her by her mother, Lynn Flores, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Attending the Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony are, from left, Capt. Stephanie Nichols, Deputy Chief Robert Wright, Chief Stu Greenberg and Capt. Manny Arzate.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Chief Stu Greenberg, left, congratulates, from left, Sgt. Robert Ward, Executive Assistant Mackenzie Newman, Police Records Specialist Anita Garcia, Police Service Officer Brian Welde and Police Communications Officer Maddison Flores after being sworn in.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Sergeant Robert Ward with his wife, Connie, and daughters MacKenzie and McKenna during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Sergeant Robert Ward with one of his two daughters during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Executive Assistant Mackenzie Newman with her daughter, Elin, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Tustin Police Executive Assistant Mackenzie Newman has her new badge pinned to her by her daughter, Elin, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
Police Communications Officer Maddison Flores with her mother, Lynn Flores, during a Tustin Police Department swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge
