Polce Deptartment Luncheon

This year the Annual Montclair Police Department Recognition Luncheon, sponsored by the Montclair Chamber of Commerce and held at the Police Department was held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Chief Keith Jones took the podium briefly to commend all of the Montclair Police Department employees. He stated that having an advanced formalized education has become the norm for the Department’s men and women in blue. Currently two Officers are working towards receiving their doctorate degrees, and others are pursuing their bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He also stated the Sergeants are all well-seasoned officers who have a vast amount of law enforcement experience and receive advanced supervisory training. Chief Jones stated he considers our Sergeants "the tip of the spear" in fighting crime in the City. They are the shift supervisors who guide our Officers by educating, mentoring, training, encouragement, and setting the example. He added they are the backbone of the organization in making the community safe.

This special event is held each year to recognize Police Department employees and to honor the Officer of the Year and the Annual Achievement Award recipient.

Sergeant Brian Ventura discussed the process taken by the Sergeants when selecting the Officer of the Year before announcing why they selected Officer Raul Perez for the 2010 honor. The Officer of the Year award is presented to model Officers who are dedicated to the community; self motivated; they recognize and address crime problems, thereby creating a safer city; and they are inspiring to other Officers in combating crime. By the way, Raul was honored by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) two years in a row for making the most DUI (Driving Under the Influence) arrests.

Receptionist Gina Davis was selected for the Annual Achievement Award by a selection committee of past recipients who reviewed the nominations and voted based on criteria submitted by her peers. Gina does an exemplary job of representing the Department as Receptionist. In addition to her professional work, Gina has been a loyal and dedicated volunteer for the American Cancer Society for the past four years. She has taken an active role in making Relay for Life of Montclair a success and has dedicated herself to the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Raul and Gina were presented certificates of recognition by Mayor Paul Eaton as well as by representatives from the offices of Governor Jerry Brown, Congressman David Dreier, Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod, Assembly Member Norma Torres, and County Supervisor Gary Ovitt. The event’s title Sponsor, Ronald Cunning of Cunning Dental Group, also presented commendations to the honorees.

Three lifesaving awards were presented by Sergeant Matt Borra to Officers Rob Pipersky and Shane Buschini and Senior Program Specialist Ester Vargas Pipersky. All three were involved in saving the life of a 93- year-old volunteer last month by administering CPR. The heart attack victim recovered briefly at Doctor’s Hospital, and she was able to meet with her family members before passing away 48 hours later.

Please join me in commending all of the award recipients!

Excerpts taken from City Manager’s Weekly Report 5-19-11