Montclair Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Salutes Police Department

Hard work, dedication and performance were celebrated at the annual Montclair Police Department Recognition Luncheon May 21 at the new police facility. Montclair Chamber of Commerce President Yvonne De Leon welcomed guests and introduced local dignitaries while Police Officer Deborah Camou delivered the invocation and Deputy Police Chief Chris Weiske led the flag salute.
Police Chief Keith Jones summarized the department’s 2008 year and introduced officers and other personnel. He numbered last years’ service calls at 44,000 with 3,100 arrests and 8,000 citations.

The 2008 Officer of the Year award recipients are model officers who are dedicated to the community, self-motivated and an inspiration to other officers, according to Chief Jones. They were selected, based on last year’s performance, by department sergeants. The winners were partners Andy Graziano and Steve Griffin who were assigned to the Crime Suppression Unit in 2008. Last year the two served 35 search warrants, made 210 arrests and conducted 53 probation and parole searches. They also worked surveillance, assisted other agencies in their investigations, instructed others in several areas of specialty and testified as experts in gang and tagging culture in numerous court proceedings. They have worked together to coordinate warrant, probation and parole sweeps and prostitution detail. “They are willing to work any shift, any time without every complaining,” said Chief Jones. “They go beyond the call of duty.”

The recipients received their awards with a mixture of pride and humility. “It just feels great I’m recognized for the hard work I do and my contribution to the city,” said Steve Griffin. “I’m happy working for the city of Montclair and serving the community. It’s a great city and it’s exciting to be recognized.”

Andy Graziano, said, “It’s an honor to be recognized among all the great officers we have here. I’m happy to be employed by the city of Montclair. I’ve loved all eight years I’ve been here and I love the people I work with.” His wife, Jamie added, “I’m really proud of him. He’s very good at his job.”

The 2008 Annual Achievement Awards were based on several qualities, including exemplary service within and outside the organization, helpfulness, inspiration and other positive attributes of service. The nominees were selected by a committee of past award recipients. The winners of the 2008 Achievement Awards were Administrative Aide Trudy Burson and Records Bureau Supervisor Susan Hackley, a department employee of 25 years. The pair worked as a team to design and create the interior of the new police facility in addition to their other duties. They chose furniture, designed work spaces and picked out fabrics and floors, among other things. “Susan and Trudy never complained once about the extra work they invested in our facility,” said Chief Jones.

“It’s very nice to be recognized for working on this project,” said Susan. “It was a fun project. We so desperately needed this new building. I feel proud to work with such a great group of people and it’s nice to see them have such a nice working environment because they certainly deserve it.”
“It’s a great thrill,” said Trudy. “I’m just proud to work for the city of Montclair with the wonderful Montclair family we have here. I appreciate that they allowed employees to have input into the new facility. It was a nice opportunity to have a hand in our new facility.”

Award recipients were honored by local dignitaries including Montclair Mayor Pro Tem John Dutry, Council Members Paulitz and Raft and San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt. Additional certificates and accolades were presented by representatives of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Senator Gloria Feinstein, Congressman David Dreier, Senator Gloria Negrete McLeod and Assembly member Norma Torres. Dr. Ronald Cunning and Norma Tapia of Cunning Dental Group, Title Sponsor of the Event, presented awards on behalf of the Montclair Chamber of Commerce.


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