Behind the Badge
The Tustin Police Department welcomed two and promoted two on Wednesday at a swearing in ceremony.
Friends, family and dozens of the department’s sworn and civilian employees quickly filled the seats and lined the walls of Tustin’s City Council Chamber to observe the ceremony.
“As I stand here with all of you, the first word that comes to my mind is gratitude,” Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano said. “I am grateful for the men and women of this department who keep this community safe, you’re all amazing individuals.
“Therefore, I am grateful to welcome a couple new faces and to promote a couple familiar ones within our department.”
NEW ADDITIONS
Tupua Ioane – Volunteer Dispatcher
Tustin Police Chief Charles Celano welcomes Tupua Ioane as a new volunteer for the Tustin PD. Ioane, who has four sons and fifteen grandchildren, has made Tustin his home for the past 30 years.
Tupua Ioane was the first to be introduced as a new volunteer.
A father of four and grandfather of 15, Ioane was born in American Samoa.
After graduating high school, Ioane joined the U.S. Army, then went on to work in a variety of fields including law enforcement, electrical construction, building engineering and was one of the original members of the Chief’s Advisory Board.
He quoted Abraham Lincoln in explaining why he chose this new path in his life:
“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years.”
Ioane has lived in Tustin for 30 years alongside his wife.
“I am very grateful to this department. Being a resident of Tustin for over 30 years now, I can say with certainty that this is the finest department in the nation and it is an honor to volunteer here,” Ioane said.
Amber Firmes – Communications Officer I
Amber Firmes, a new dispatcher for Tustin PD, is congratulated by her father, Murrieta Police Capt. Rob Firmes, after pinning her new badge on her during a ceremony at the Tustin City Council Chambers.
Firmes, a Murrieta native, earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at California Baptist University.
She said she fell in love with this career path after her father, a Captain at Murrieta PD, suggested she take a sit-along in their PD’s dispatch center.
Shortly after, Firmes enrolled in the Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center in Riverside and completed the course last September.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity,” she said. “I am truly blessed, everyone I have met here has welcomed me with open arms and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to work with such wonderful people.”
PROMOTIONS
Taylor Ryan – Promotion to Officer
Taylor Ryan receives his Tustin PD officer’s badge from his fiancée Danielle, during a ceremony at the Tustin City Council Chambers.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Ryan began his career in law enforcement as an officer for Laguna Beach for six months before making the transition to Tustin PD.
Ryan became a part-time reserve officer with Tustin PD in May of this year. On July 27th, he completed the Department’s field training program.
In 2013, he served as a chaplain at Golden West Police Academy.
“I am grateful and honored to become a part of this family. I am excited to show my abilities and work as hard as I can, this is a vow to the community,” Ryan said.
Sarah Fetterling – Promotion to Sergeant
Sara Fetterling receives her new Tustin PD sergeant’s badge from her from her wife Kristin, a Tustin PD dispatcher, during a ceremony at the Tustin City Council Chambers.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
A Yorba Linda native, Fetterling graduated from Cal State Chico, where she played Division I rugby and earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in international relations.
Fetterling began her career with the Tustin PD in 2008 as a recruit and enrolled in Golden West Police Academy.
She worked in patrol for three years and was selected for the Special Enforcement Detail Team.
She transferred back to patrol as a Field Training Officer in 2014.
“I would like to thank the chief for believing in me,” she said. “Also my family for sacrificing so much to help me be where I am today. I won’t let you down.”
Said Celano after the oaths are taken: “I want you to be grateful every time you put that badge on. You are family here; you are our family. Congratulations.”
Fellow Tustin PD personal and family applauds after Officer Taylor Ryan, dispatcher Amber Firmes and Sgt. Sara Fetterling took the oath of office during a promotions ceremony at the Tustin City Council Chambers.
Tupua Ioane was also welcomed as a new volunteer for the Tustin PD.
Photo by Steven
