Behind the Badge
Westminster police recently celebrated several promotions and special assignments that Interim Police Chief Roy Campos said are the first of many positive changes the department expects to see.
In a standing-room-only ceremony Wednesday, Nov. 2, held at the Rose Theater, Campos recognized five employees: Deputy Chief Tim Vu, Sgts. Dave Ferronato and Scott Gump, Cpl. Anil Adam and Det. Rachel Proulx.
Those who were promoted — Vu, Ferronato and Gump — submitted to a comprehensive and rigorous process in which their work was evaluated from outside agencies.
“Westminster is very special for the traditions that we have developed and honored. This is meant to honor the folks who work hard,” Campos said. “These are the five who have been promoted at this time, but we have so much talent and so many hard workers, this is just the beginning of what we’re going to see as Westminster PD makes progress.”
The Westminster PD Color Guard posts the colors at the start of the department’s swearing-in and promotions ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Deputy Chief Tim Vu
Vu joined Westminster PD in 1994 after serving a year with the San Diego Police Department.
In his 22 years with Westminster PD, he worked patrol before being assigned to the Detective Bureau for eight years where he worked fraud and forgery, robbery/homicide and special investigations.
He was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and then to commander in 2010.
As commander, Vu has supervised patrol, detectives and the professional standards unit.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Fullerton and a master’s degree (MBA) from the University of Redlands.
Vu also is a graduate of the FBI National Academy for Police Executives.
Timothy Vu receives his new Deputy Chief badge from his daughter, Tyler Vu, during a promotions Ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. Dave Ferronato
Ferronato joined the Westminster PD in 1999 and has worked a variety of assignments including patrol, investigations and most recently as the department’s homeless liaison officer.
While serving in the Detective’s Bureau, Ferronato worked burglary, the family protection unit and robbery/homicide.
Ferronato also has held several collateral duties including serving as a crisis negotiator for West County SWAT, trauma support, Bike Team, field training officer, PERT team member and working the DARE and SHIELD programs.
Ferronato holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Riverside and a master’s degree in public administration and public policy analysis from Cal State Long Beach.
Sgt. Dave Ferronato receives his new sergeant badge from his wife Kristie during a promotions Ceremony in Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Sgt. Scott Gump
Gump first started with Westminster PD as an Explorer before becoming an intern. He worked as a parking control officer in 2001 before being hired as a police officer in 2005.
He worked patrol for five years and then was assigned to the Detective Bureau, where he worked narcotics.
Gump served as a corporal for nearly two years before making sergeant, and also worked as a Field Training Officer.
He currently is a member of West County SWAT and has served as the Explorer Advisor for nine years.
In 2013, he was selected “Officer of the Year” by his colleagues. Gump holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management.
Westminster Interim Chief Roy Campos, left, swears in Sgt. Dave Ferronato and Sgt. Scott Gump, right, during a promotions Ceremony in Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Cpl. Anil Adam
Adam has served Westminster PD for seven years. He worked patrol for three years before being assigned as a detective in the general investigations unit.
He currently is a member of West County SWAT and serves as a sniper.
Adam has a bachelor’s degree in economics from UC Irvine.
Det. Rachel Proulx
Proulx has been with Westminster PD for nearly 10 years where she worked patrol and also has served as a crisis negotiator and a member of the department’s Honor Guard.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in international studies.
Proulx will be assigned to general investigations.
Chief Roy Campos, right, recognize the assignment selections of Corporal Anil Adam, left, and Detective Rachel during a promotions Ceremony in Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The Westminster PD Color Guard enters the room at the start of the department’s swearing-in and promotions ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD’s new Deputy Chief Timothy Vu gets a hug from his daughter Tyler Vu after receiving his new badge during a promotions ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Interim Chief Roy Campos, left, congratulates Timothy Vu on his promotion to deputy chief during a promotions ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster PD Interim Chief Roy Campos, left, swears in Timothy Vu as the department’s new Deputy Chief during a ceremony in Westminster.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
