2009 CPOA Award Program Recipients

Certificate of Appreciation

Lois Lee

The Los Angeles Police Department nominated Dr. Lois Lee and her Children of the Night organization for the Certificate of Appreciation. Children of the Night is a residential facility whose specific mission is the care and treatment of children forced into prostitution. 

The LAPD has for many years worked in partnership with the organization to combat the sexual exploitation of young people in the Los Angeles area. During 2009, COTN continued to assist LAPD investigators by providing housing, treatment and educational opportunities to child victims of prostitution. Because these services were provided, LAPD investigators could be confident that victims and witnesses would be available to assist in ongoing pimping/human trafficking investigations. 

Dr. Lee encourages the victims in her care to assist in the prosecution of their assailants. She regularly provides training to LAPD personnel in the detection, treatment and rescue of child prostitution victims. She is a recognized expert in the field and has testified in state and federal court during the prosecution of pimps and madams.

CPOA now recognizes Dr. Lois Lee with the CPOA Certificate of Appreciation.

Morton Solomon

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department nominated citizen volunteer Morton Solomon for the Certificate of Appreciation.  As a Staff Sergeant during World War II, Mort Solomon was a U.S. Army Air Force B-24 bombardier and gunner who flew 36 missions over Germany.  While serving, Mort distinguished himself by meritorious achievement and was awarded the Air Medal with five clusters.  In 1996, Mort became a member of Rancho Mirage Citizens on Patrol (COPS) and was immediately voted in as Lieutenant Quartermaster. 

For more than 13 years, Mort has worked diligently for the volunteer program to provide quality service for the citizens of Rancho Mirage.  He has volunteered more than 7,800 hours during that time.  He has immense pride in his position and gives remarkable attention to the upkeep and appearance of the Citizen on Patrol uniforms and members.  Recently, Mort designed a new COPS badge, received approval of the selection, and arranged for the limited production.  Because of his efforts, the badge is proudly worn by the current members. 

He frequently take the lead on recruiting efforts and works with location management in putting the recruiting events together, handling the scheduling of volunteers, and assigning COPS members to various shifts.  At the conclusion of each event, he conducts evaluation sessions to identify means of improvement.

Resting is not a word frequently used by this 91-year-old dedicated volunteer and his efforts are invaluable in assisting the city and Sheriff's Department.

CPOA now recognizes Morton Solomon with the CPOA Certificate of Appreciation.

Target Corporation

The Sacramento Police Department nominated Target Corporation’s “Target & BLUE” program for their support of local law enforcement programs and projects. In 2009, the Sacramento Police Department was the recipient of a $20,000 grant toward various programs, including the High School Criminal Justice Magnet Academies, National Night Out, Cops & Community celebration, Shop with a Cop holiday event, and the Domestic Violence pamphlet production.

Additionally, in previous years, the local Target and its employees have participated in the Department’s team-building events and their annual Holiday Experience Project, where families in need are identified and provided with clothing, toys, and other necessities during the holidays. Most recently, Target employees gave of their time to train the Department’s Youth Advisory Committee on how to better prepare themselves for employment interviews in the future.

CPOA now recognizes Corey Sanders and Target Corporation’s Target & Blue program with the CPOA Certificate of Appreciation. Accepting on behalf of Corey and Target is Marc Rojas.

Valero Benicia Refinery

The Valero Benicia Refinery has been an integral part of the City of Benicia’s community since 1969. For many years Valero has partnered with the Benicia Police Department, the City of Benicia, and the community as a whole to enhance the presence and level of service provided by law enforcement.

Valero’s generosity and commitment to the Benicia Police Department has encompassed a wide range of funding for a number of special programs. Most significant was Valero’s staggering donation of $1 million dollars to help upgrade the radio interoperability system throughout Solano County. The Benicia Police Department received $100,000 of this amount and has already used the money to complete a significant upgrade that will provide the department with a reliable communication system for years to come. 

In addition to this, Valero also donated funds to support the Department’s K9 program and annually donates to support the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE) which allows Benicia officers to teach the program in every local elementary school.

Valero’s efforts have significantly impacted the ability of the Benicia Police Department to provide quality service to its citizens.

CPOA now recognizes the Valero Benicia Refinery, represented by Dave Watson, with the CPOA Certificate of Appreciation.

Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement

The Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement is designed to recognize peace officers who strive for and maintain a high degree of personal and professional growth and competency.  Achievement of this award is designed to be difficult.  The award recognizes those members of law enforcement who truly devote themselves to the principles of professionalism as demonstrated by their commitment to personal achievements and professional growth.

Tracy Beaupre

Sgt. Beaupre is a 25 year veteran of the Redding Police Department, currently assigned as Patrol Supervisor for the FTO program and the Explorer Post and Bicycle program, and is additionally Administrative Services Sergeant, Training Manager.  Sgt. Beaupre has earned a number of special recognitions during her career, including Rookie of the Year and Supervisor of the Year.  She is an instructor at Butte Police Academy and Butte Community College.

Sgt. Beaupre has exceeded the rigorous requirements of the CPOA Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement and is therefore deserving of this prestigious award. CPOA now recognizes Redding Police Department Sergeant Tracy Beaupre with the CPOA Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement.

Mark Fields

Lt. Fields is a 28 year veteran of the CHP, currently assigned to the Office of Risk Management. Lt. Fields has earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University Northridge in 2002, and has devoted numerous hours of community service to various organizations. Throughout his career, he has earned a number of significant commendations, including a 25-year Occupational Safety Award (meaning no traffic collisions in 25 years), Special Olympics Volunteer Award, and various commendations from a variety of sources including the Superior Court. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including CPOA and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He has an outstanding record of attendance at various professional seminars and symposiums, often attended at his own expense. 

Lt. Fields has investigated and implemented many cost-saving and risk-management programs within the CHP, including amending CHP policy to mandate representation from the Attorney General’s Office at Pitchess Motions, working to establish a robust Risk Management Program within the CHP, and to reinstitute Public Records Act procedures and retrain personnel in the area of responding to Public Records Act requests.

Lt. Fields has exceeded the rigorous requirements of the CPOA Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement and is therefore deserving of this prestigious award. CPOA now recognizes California Highway Patrol Lieutenant Mark Fields with the CPOA Award of Law Enforcement Professional Achievement.

Award of Distinction

Muawiya Abdeen

Sergeant Muawiya Abdeen became the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department first dedicated sworn officer to lead the Department’s Muslim Community Affairs Unit. This unit’s goals are to create long lasting, harmonious relationships with local Muslim leaders in order to minimize conflict between the Department and the community.

Due to the large scale of this project, Sgt. Abdeen has personally recruited additional Muslim members of the Department to assist him, often on personal time. This past year, Sgt Abdeen has been in “overdrive” mode supervising the creation of many special projects that have enhanced the communication and mutual support between the Department and the Muslim community. A few examples of these efforts include:

• The development of the Young Muslim American Leaders Group which meets monthly and identifies rising leaders. 
• The creation of a public website that provides education products related to law enforcement, a listing of community events, and contact information important to the Muslim community. 
• The development of a two hour “Muslim Culture” curriculum presented to the Department Recruit Training Bureau to newly hired Deputy Sheriffs.
• Formal training session at local Islamic Centers on subjects such as Hate Crime, Identity Theft, Gangs, Domestic Violence, Alcohol and Drug Awareness, Terrorism and Immigration Processes.

Sgt. Abdeen has become a trusted and respected friend of numerous local leaders and has been lauded in the most influential Muslim newspaper in Southern California for his efforts

CPOA now recognizes Sergeant Muawiya Abdeen with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

Lionel Luna

Deputy Sheriff Lionel Luna of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, is assigned to manage the Professional Service Reserves (PSR) and Regular Reserve members as a key component of the homeland security efforts at John Wayne Airport. A prolonged effort of recruitment, training, and mentoring has produced an invaluable volunteer labor pool that is capable of assisting sworn officers with the security of the airport infrastructure, employees, stakeholders and customers.

In addition to becoming a qualified trainer in airport operations orientation, evacuations, aircraft emergencies, passenger and traffic control, vehicle inspections, TSA/Homeland Security Agency orientation training, and suspicious activity and behavior identification, Deputy Luna’s recruitment efforts produced a 300% increase in the number of PSR’s that now assist the Airport Operations Division. In 2009, more than 4,200 man hours were donated by the PSR’s at the airport, a 27% increase over 2008. Deputy Luna coordinated Division Training for Sheriff Special Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s that totaled 4,367 hours of Airport, POST Perishable Skills, Homeland Security, and Department Policy & Legal Update training. The PSR program has become the model that other divisions have followed.

CPOA now recognizes Deputy Sheriff Lionel Luna with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

Brent Westwood and Craig Johnson

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Major Fraud Unit, comprised of Senior Investigators Brent Westwood and Craig Johnson, completed a multi-million dollar securities fraud case that began in 2007.

This mortgage fraud case involved well over 250 fraudulent loans and evolved into a securities/investment fraud investigation. This complex fraud scheme netted over 17 million dollars for the suspects, funding their extravagant lifestyle, including expensive vacations, luxury cars, homes, and gambling.

During two years of investigation, 300 federal grand jury subpoenas were served and 220 suspected fraudulent loans and 250 bank accounts were examined. More than 800 victims invested their own or borrowed funds based on the promise of high returns that instead resulted in the foreclosure of hundreds of their own homes. Losses ultimately surpassed 60 million dollars from the victims and estimates are that the banks and financial institutions have lost more than 400 million dollars. Hundreds of foreclosed homes suffered as a result of this scam greatly exacerbated the economic blight in Riverside County. 12 individuals were charged in state and federal court with crimes ranging from grand theft to securities fraud; two defendants are exposed to possible life sentences.

Investigators Westwood and Johnson are the primary reason the scheme was uncovered and thoroughly investigated to allow state and federal prosecutors to charge these 12 individuals.

CPOA now recognizes Sr. Investigators Brent Westwood and Craig Johnson with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

Coby Webb

In 1998, Sergeant Coby Webb began the quest of starting a Police Bloodhound Unit within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. West Coast agencies had shown little interest in bloodhounds and female handlers in the program were virtually nonexistent. Using her own money, Sergeant Webb purchased her first bloodhound and began traveling and training back East, since training was not available elsewhere. 

Between the years of 1999-2001, Sergeant Webb and her hound, Maggie, helped locate numerous missing children, Alzheimer’s patients, and suspects in criminal cases. In 2001, Sergeant Webb and Maggie tracked the scent of a murder suspect to the residence where the suspect was located. This case helped establish case law involving scent identification. Also in 2001, Sergeant Webb responded to the scene of a missing person in Idyllwild. Sergeant Webb and Maggie tracked the scent of the missing person 8 ½ miles uphill through the forest to a shallow grave where the deceased victim was found buried.

Sergeant Webb’s dedication to the advancement of the bloodhound program has been instrumental in the development of several other agencies’ adoptions of the bloodhound programs. Sergeant Webb is considered one of the nation’s top five experts in bloodhound handling, training, and certification. She is a member of the National Bloodhound Association Board of Directors and author of the first POST approved bloodhound training course in California.

Sergeant Webb’s willingness to take an idea and enter uncharted territory at considerable personal expense and sacrifice, for the sole benefit of the community and public she serves, bring credit upon herself and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

CPOA now recognizes Sheriff’s Sergeant Coby Webb with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

San Diego Police Department Gang Unit Team Three

The San Diego Police Department Street Gang Unit’s mission is to reduce the incidence of gang related criminal activities, and to reduce the number of active street gang members in the communities of the City of San Diego.

From March 2008 to the present, Street Gang Unit Team Three Detectives have been involved in several large scale operations targeting violent gang members from Lincoln Park, 5/9 Brims, East Side Piru, O’Farrell Park Banksters, Neighborhood Crips and West Coast Crips. These operations were dubbed the AM Bank Robbery Series, Operation Blood Sucker, Operation Lucky Strike, Operation Lucky Strike Phase 2, Bank Gig Operation, Operation Red Sky, and Operation Winter Storm.

The detectives closed 4 Murder cases with 9 arrests, 15 Attempt Murder /Shooting cases with 27 arrests, and 8 Kidnapping / Robbery cases with 15 arrests. This is a total of 51 documented gang members arrested for serious felony crimes. 

The culmination of these projects resulted in the following confiscations:               

• 11 pounds Rock Cocaine                               
• 5 pounds Methamphetamine              
• 50 pounds Powder cocaine                
• 3500 Ecstasy pills                  
• 480 pounds Marijuana                                   
• 240 Marijuana plants              
• 48 vials PCP                                       
• 67 Firearms
• $904,000 confiscated
• One Daycare facility closed   

Additionally, there were 366 arrests made throughout these operations, with 222 of the suspects being documented gang members. The other 144 suspects arrested were identified as associates of the gangs or sources of supply for the gangs’ narcotics trade.

As a result of the hard work and proactive investigations conducted by Team Three investigators, the City of San Diego saw a 57% decrease in gang related homicides from 2008 to 2009 and a 40% drop in violent crimes committed by gang members targeted by these investigations.

CPOA now recognizes the SDPD Gang Unit Team Three, represented by Sgt. Marc Pitucci and Detectives Scott Barnes, Joseph Castillo, Terence Charlot, John Howard, Christopher Kilby, James Mackay, Duane Malinowski and Jack Schaeffer with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

MACTAC Team

Following the November 2008 Mumbai, India terrorist attack, the Los Angeles Police Department analyzed international and domestic multiple casualty incidents to determine if current tactical practices were sufficient. It was determined that should a multiple casualty incident occur, especially at multiple locations, conventional law enforcement tactics would be insufficient to address the threat.

Rather than developing a “top down” approach to design the concept, LAPD management determined the best concept was to build the response plan from the “bottom up”. LAPD personnel who had recent military combat tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan or who had expertise in areas such as training, weapons, lesson plan development and Special Weapons and Tactics operations. 

The concept of MACTAC is to cause officers to spontaneously amass into small quasi-independent contact teams, establish on-scene command and confront the threat as soon as possible. 

Early in the planning process, it became apparent that any response to an incident involving multiple attacks would require a regional response. The LAPD developed partnerships with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Port Police department, Los Angeles School District Police Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

After exhaustive lesson plan development by the team over four months, in May 2009, the LAPD conducted initial testing of the “officer-Basic” lesson plan using SWAT personnel to validate the training. Once that task was completed, the LAPD and Deputy Hays developed a “Train the Trainer” course. Coordination of the training for LAPD was a massive, full time effort.

To date, 175 people have been certified to teach the Officer-Basic MACTAC course. Additionally nearly all of the 9,000 LAPD officers and an additional 500 officers from other agencies have been trained in MACTAC tactics. The MACTAC model is being studied and adopted by law enforcement agencies around the country and was recently presented at the National Tactical Officers’ Association convention. 

The efforts of the personnel being recognized today have been remarkable. Their efforts represent the highest ideals of the profession and commitment to excellence.

CPOA now recognizes, from the Los Angeles Police Department, Lieutenant Michelle Richards, Sergeants Andy Markel, Steve Embrich, Deborah Mastin, Jamie Marin, and Officers Joe Witty and Jeremy Stafford; and from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Deputy Chris Hays, with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

Lisa Campbell, Allison Jacobs, and Melanie Kaiser

On August 24, 2009, Phillip Garrido visited UCPD Police Specialist Lisa Campbell in her office to inquire about holding a religious-themed public event on the Berkeley campus. Garrido was accompanied by two girls, ages 11 and 15, whose behavior and interaction with Garrido seemed strange to Specialist Campbell. She made an appointment for Garrido to visit her again the next day. Before Garrido’s return, Specialist Campbell contacted Corporal Allison Jacobs and described her observations and concerns. Corporal Jacobs performed a records check and discovered that Garrido was a registered sex offender and federal parolee. Jacobs attended the second meeting between Garrido and Specialist Campbell, and together they engaged Garrido and the two girls in conversation. The girls identified Garrido as their father and their responses to questions struck Corporal Jacobs and Specialist Campbell as controlled and rehearsed. Corporal Jacobs contacted Garrido’s parole agent with her concerns, which then led to an additional interview the following day. Garrido appeared at this interview with his wife and three younger females, causing the agent to call upon Concord Police Department for assistance when the subjects became evasive concerning their identities.

Officers Melanie Kaiser and Mike von Savoye, and Sergeant Don Hoffman realized something was amiss as they questioned Garrido and the oldest of the three young women. Officer Kaiser subsequently spoke with the woman in an effort to get to the truth of the matter. Through careful, conscientious and patient questioning, the young woman ultimately admitted to Officer Kaiser a very old secret, that she had been kidnapped and raped by Phillip Garrido eighteen years before in South Lake Tahoe. Through additional questioning by Officer Kaiser, the young woman admitted that she was Jaycee Lee Dugard, that she had been kept in the Garrido residence, and that the two younger females were in fact her daughters who Garrido had fathered. Officer Kaiser’s experience in working juvenile and sexual assault cases provided her the unique ability to work with Jaycee, breaking down the barriers of the 18 year old cover story with which Jaycee had been brainwashed to protect Phillip and Nancy Garrido.

Throughout this multi-agency effort, the key to the success in breaking this case were officers who shared a collective sense that something wasn’t right and the persistence in searching for the truth.

CPOA now recognizes Police Specialist Lisa Campbell, Corporal Allison Jacobs, and Master Officer Melanie Kaiser with the CPOA Award of Distinction.

Award of Valor

Mark Aceves

On February 1, 2009, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Mark Aceves and his partner received a call of a possible suicide. Upon arrival the officers met with a resident at the location who informed them that the subject, William Oppelt, had been drinking all day and was distraught because of having recently lost his job. The officers were told that there were no weapons inside the residence.

Officer Aceves initiated conversation with the Mr. Oppelt at the door of the residence from a distance of less than five feet and requested that he exit the residence. Although initially ignoring Aceves’ requests to exit to talk with the officers, finally Mr. Oppelt responded to the officer’s request to exit the residence by saying, “Let me take care of this first.”   Suddenly Mr. Oppelt produced a loaded .38 caliber revolver from his rear waistband and placed the barrel against his own head. Instinctively, Aceves’ fellow officers unholstered their weapons.

Recognizing that the subject’s actions had placed him and other officers in a deadly situation, Officer Aceves stepped towards Oppelt and in one swift motion placed his right hand on the cylinder of the gun Oppelt held against his head preventing the cylinder from rotating. Simultaneously, Officer Aceves completed his gun takeaway technique by successfully twisting the revolver from Oppelt’s hands. Once the weapon was taken, a team takedown of Mr. Oppelt occurred and he was handcuffed without further incident.

Officer Aceves is recognized for placing himself in a dangerous position that could have resulted in being seriously injured or killed. His successful rescue effort further resulted in saving the life of a suicidal and distraught subject and achieving a successful resolution to this potentially tragic event.

CPOA now recognizes Officer Mark Aceves with the CPOA Award of Valor.

Isaac Aleman, Aaron Stringer

On September 20, 2009, Bakersfield Police Department Officers Isaac Aleman and Aaron Stringer responded to a call of suspicious subjects in a 7-11 store believing it to be a robbery in progress.

The officers arrived on the scene within 23 seconds from the time they acknowledged the call and parked a short distance from the business. The officers’ tactically approached the store on foot and as Officer Aleman neared the business he observed a subject running toward the rear of the store. Officer Aleman responded to the rear of the business to investigate. As Officer Aleman reached the rear of the business, he was ambushed by a second unseen suspect who had concealed himself behind a cinderblock wall. This suspect was armed with a handgun and immediately fired upon Officer Aleman striking him in the upper left leg. After being shot Officer Aleman dropped to one knee, drew his handgun, and returned fire at the suspect. Officer Stringer heard the gunshot fired by the suspect and ran toward the rear of the 7-11 store to assist Officer Aleman. Officer Stringer observed the suspect was still armed with a handgun pointed in Officer Aleman’s direction, and Officer Stringer fired multiple shots at the suspect. This suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was arrested at the scene. The suspect who Officer Aleman initially observed was also arrested at the scene.

Despite being ambushed and shot, Officer Aleman demonstrated exceptional courage by continuing his efforts to stop an armed and violent suspect who had just demonstrated his willingness to shoot and kill police officers. Officer Stringer showed an instantaneous willingness to risk his own life in coming to Officer Aleman’s aide. Their dedication to public safety, courage, and swift action stopped this violent suspect from injuring other officers or escaping into this residential community.

CPOA now recognizes Officers Isaac Aleman and Aaron Stringer with the CPOA Award of Valor.

Eric Bradley

On March 4, 2009, Lodi Police Department Detective Eric Bradley was present at a trial as the lead investigator on the case. The case concerned David Paradiso, who in 2006 had brutally murdered his girlfriend by slashing her throat.

While Detective Bradley was present in the courtroom, the defendant was on the witness stand testifying. The defendant made a series of derogatory comments about the victim which caused a commotion within the courtroom forcing San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Cinda Fox to call for a recess. As the bailiffs were trying to deal with the commotion, Paradiso stood up in the witness stand and slowly surveyed the courtroom. He quickly moved toward Judge Fox and grabbed her from behind, stabbing her in the neck and arm with a six inch shank he had concealed within his leg brace. Further commotion erupted within the courtroom. 

Detective Bradley was seated at the prosecution table and immediately drew his weapon and began to approach the bench firing his weapon twice, with one round striking Paradiso in the chest. Paradiso was preparing to stab Judge Fox again and Detective Bradley placed his left hand on Judge Fox’s head as she lay on the bench, to prevent her from being in the line of fire, and fired one more round into Paradiso’s head. Paradiso fell to the ground mortally wounded. Judge Fox was transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

The entire incident took just six seconds. Detective Bradley reacted quickly, ultimately saving Judge Fox’s life. During the entire chaotic incident, Det. Bradley remained calm, professional, and completed what had to be done.

CPOA now recognizes Detective Eric Bradley with the CPOA Award of Valor.

Brian Brown

On Sunday, December 20, 2009, Sergeant Brian Brown of the Manhattan Beach Police Department responded to a call of two girls caught in a rip tide and possibly drowning at the Manhattan Beach Pier. This was Sergeant Brown’s normal day off, but he was working in the Detective Bureau on some investigations in plain clothes. Sergeant Brown arrived at the scene and was told by a bystander in a wet suit who had tried to assist the girls, that the tide was too strong, and that the two girls were clinging to the Pier. Sergeant Brown evaluated the scene, immediately borrowed a Boogie Board and some fins from a bystander, and then entered the water in an effort to find and assist the girls. Sergeant Brown was able to locate the two girls who were approximately 50 years out in the water, on the north side of the Pier.

Sergeant Brown was able to get ahold of both girls, who were tiring as waves crashed and battered them as they were holding on to the rough and barnacle-clad Pier pylons. Sergeant Brown initially tried to swim back to shore with both girls in tow, but the rip current was too strong. Sergeant Brown then paddled parallel to shore and was eventually able to make his way close enough to shore where they were met by LA County Lifeguards. Both girls were injured while trying to hold onto Pier pilings and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Sergeant Brown’s actions were even more noteworthy when you take into account that at 5:30 p.m., the sun had set and it is very dark along the beach. And being December, not only was the air temperature cold, but the water temperature posed hypothermia risks for all involved. Finally, recent storms had created dangerous riptides in the area.

Police officers are not trained for water rescue and never practice for it. Sergeant Brown, without hesitation, risked his life in a foreign and dangerous element to save two people.

CPOA now recognizes Sergeant Brian Brown with the CPOA Award of Valor.

Rodney Richards, Jason Smith

On September 24, 2009, California Highway Patrol Officers Rodney Richards and Officer Jason Smith responded to a 911 call of a collision involving two big rigs. Initial reports advised that one of the involved big rigs was fully engulfed in flames and the driver was trapped in the vehicle.

Officer Richards contacted the driver, James McDonald, who advised that he was trapped in his vehicle. Officer Richards pulled at the door but could not get it open. Flames were under the tractor where the fuel was leaking and was beginning to approach the stream of fuel from the ruptured diesel tank. Officer Richards retrieved his fire extinguisher and was attempting to hold back the flames when he heard the driver screaming that he was on fire. Officer Richards then used his fire extinguisher on the driver’s legs to extinguish the flames. Officer Richards’s fire extinguisher ran out and he requested additional extinguishers.

Officer Smith arrived on scene and provided Officer Richards with an additional extinguisher. Citizen’s Benjamin Waldie, Ed Workman and John Zigan attempted to locate additional fire extinguishers to aid the officer. Officer Richards kept the flames back from reaching the fuel tank as best he could along with spraying the extinguisher inside the cab of the truck to extinguish flames on the driver’s legs.

Officer Smith immediately tried to extricate Mr. McDonald. The severe impact caused the entire front of the tractor to be pushed into the cab, trapping the driver’s legs and causing the driver’s door to jam shut. With the severity of the incident and Mr. McDonald being on fire, Officer Smith along with a passing motorist, Perry Nitz, began pulling hard on the door in an attempt to open it, to no avail. Another citizen, Ed Workman, provided a pry bar and he and Officer Richards attempted to pry the door open, again with no success. Mr. Workman then positioned his pickup truck next to the burning tractor and utilized a tow chain around the tractors door in an attempt to pull it off. Unfortunately this action also failed. At this point, almost the entire cab was on fire. Officer Smith and Mr. Nitz again began pulling on the driver’s door, in a final life saving effort, and with extraordinary strength on their part, the door finally opened. Officer Smith and Officer Richards were able to access the driver, who was still on fire, cut the seatbelt that was restraining him, and remove him from the burning cab moments before the entire cab burst into flames.

Once Mr. McDonald was on the ground, Officer Smith was able to use his bare hands and extinguish the flames on Mr. McDonald. Officer Richards and Officer Smith were able to drag Mr. McDonald behind the patrol vehicle and away from the tractor. Both officers, along with help from all the citizens, where able to load Mr. McDonald onto the bed of Mr. Workman’s pickup truck, and drove him a safe distance away from the vehicle fire.

Mr. McDonald received 3rd degree burns to over 30% of his body. Officer Richards, Officer Smith and Perry Nitz were transported by ground ambulance to Mercy Mount Shasta Hospital, where they were treated for severe smoke inhalation. Officer Smith also had minor burns to both his hands. Benjamin Waldie drove himself to Mercy Mount Shasta Hospital where he was treated for severe smoke inhalation and released.

CPOA now recognizes Officers Rodney Richards and Jason Smith with the CPOA Award of Valor and citizen Ed Workman with the CPOA Certificate of Appreciation.

Derek Pope

On Saturday, March 21, 2009, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Dispatch received an “officer down” mutual aid call from the Oakland Police Department (OPD). OPD had reported two of their motor officers had been shot while conducting a traffic enforcement stop. One officer was fatally wounded and the other was critically wounded. OPD was actively searching for the armed suspect, who had fled the area on foot. Alameda County Sheriff’s Office personnel and multiple other local law enforcement agencies responded to the area to assist OPD with establishing a perimeter and to search for the armed and dangerous suspect.

The suspect was later identified as Oakland resident Lovelle Mixon, who was an armed and dangerous parolee at large.

Deputies Derek Pope and Eijansantos, armed with their AR-15 rifles, and aware OPD was calling for more rifle support to be posted on the inner perimeter before the OPD SWAT Team arrived, were posted within close proximity of Mixon’s apartment where they had a full and unobstructed view of the front door.

To understand the decision making process of Deputy Pope during the following events, it is important to give a brief background of his tactical training and experience. Deputy Pope has prior Special Ops training in the U.S. Army, he is a ACSO firearms instructor, an active member of our ACSO SRU Team, an “active shooter” instructor and considered a weaponry expert. He has taught tactics to SWAT officers and trained for years in SWAT tactics and operations. He is very tactically sound.

When OPD breached the door, Deputy Pope immediately heard the gunshots and recognized the caliber of rounds fired were of higher caliber of the OPD SWAT Team officers weapons. He recognized the officers had walked into an ambush situation and were taking rounds from a high powered weapon. Deputies Pope and Eijansantos immediately ran towards the gun battle to help their fellow officers.

Deputy Eijansantos was the first officer to the front door. The front door suddenly swung open and two OPD SWAT Team officers were evacuating the fatally wounded Sergeant Romans. As Deputy Eijansantos assisted the OPD SWAT Team officers in removing Sergeant Romans from the doorway, Deputy Pope knew the rest of the team was still inside and needed immediate assistance.

Deputy Pope switched from patrol officer mode to SWAT officer mode and entered the apartment during an active gun battle with a murder suspect. Deputy Pope was wearing only his class B uniform with his Kevlar vest. He had no additional SWAT protective gear such as a helmet, vest with shock plates, a ballistic shield, etc. He initially entered the apartment by himself and was able to locate three other SWAT Team officers and joined them as they continued their search for Mixon.

Deputy Pope described the apartment as very dark and smoky from the flash bang deployments. He could see plaster flying through the air as Mixon continued to fire multiple rounds from a high powered assault rifle (AK-47) through the walls at the officers. During their search, Sergeant Sakai sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his head. Deputy Pope was in very close proximity to Sergeant Sakai as he was shot, yet he continued forward. Another SWAT Team officer sustained a non-life threatening gunshot wound to his trapezoid area of his shoulder during the gun battle with Mixon.

As Deputy Pope knelt down to try and locate Mixon’s location, he heard several rounds flying by his head. He and two other OPD SWAT Team officers continued forward to search for Mixon. They eventually located Mixon to the rear of the apartment holding a high powered assault rifle, where they engaged him with their firearms, fatally wounding him.

After the shooting, Deputy Pope remembered looking at his uniform and wondered why he was not wearing his protective SWAT gear. He said he must have reverted back to his years of training and experience and was completely focused on eliminating the threat.

Deputy Pope made a conscious decision to walk into a known lethal situation with no added protective gear other than his Kevlar vest. He completely disregarded his own safety and risked his own life to come to the aid of his brother law enforcement and SWAT Team officers. He ran “towards” the gun battle where multiple rounds were being fired by a murder suspect with a high powered assault rifle in which the rounds were penetrating doors, windows and walls. Words will do no justice for Deputy Pope’s acts of heroism during this horrific event committed against the Oakland Police Department. Deputy Pope’s unselfish actions during this tragedy were not only commendable, they were also heroic, remarkable and truly unbelievable.

CPOA now recognizes Deputy Derek Pope with the CPOA Award of Valor.

The Sherman Block Memorial Law Enforcement Professional of the Year

Scott Kirkland

Chief Scott Kirkland joined the El Cerrito Police Department in May 1979 after moving to California from upstate New York. He quickly distinguished himself as a Police Officer earning the Stolen Vehicle Recovery Award in 1980 and being named Police Officer of the year in 1987. Scott Kirkland worked his way through the Department’s ranks, holding every rank from Police Officer to Chief of Police. He was named the Chief of Police of the El Cerrito Police Department on May 5, 2000.

During his tenure as Chief of Police, Scott Kirkland has been responsible for a number of Departmental achievements. He:

• Established minimum college educational requirements for new hire and promotion for every rank within the Department.
• Increased Department staffing twenty-two percent in an effort to meet emerging law enforcement challenges.
• Established a full-time Traffic Enforcement Unit, which in less than five years has twice won national recognition in the National Law Enforcement Challenge.
• Established a Community Awareness Response Team to combat emerging crime trends and augment the Department’s Community Policing efforts.
• Worked in conjunction with the West Contra Costa County Chiefs and the West Contra Costa Unified School District to establish a School Resource Officer program in order to counter criminal activity on school campuses.
• Envisioned and implemented a ground breaking Municipal Video Surveillance Ordinance. The Ordinance has since been used as the basis for several other Video Surveillance Ordinances throughout the country.

Serving the El Cerrito Police Department has not been Scott Kirkland’s only passion. In addition to addressing local needs, Scott Kirkland has served on a number of statewide associations and committees, including the California Peace Officers Association, California Police Chiefs Association, Medical Marijuana Task Force, Law and Legislation Committee, Contra Costa County Police Chiefs Association, Automated Regional Information Exchange System Committee, and the East Bay Radio System Authority, to name just a few.

Scott Kirkland’s Departmental achievements as well as his membership and service with these committees demonstrate not only his commitment to better the El Cerrito Police Department, but all of California law enforcement as well. While serving as the Chief of a small municipal police department, Scott Kirkland has advocated for issues that affect all law enforcement organizations throughout the state. Scott Kirkland has been a tireless, dedicated and vocal leader on a wide range of issues such as booking fee funding, the defeat of Proposition 5 and the challenges of medical marijuana.

Scott Kirkland is the kind of leader a department expects the Chief of Police to be. Scott Kirkland’s contributions to law enforcement will be enjoyed for many years, not only by those who work for the El Cerrito Police Department, but by many others serving inside and outside of law enforcement throughout the state as well.

It is CPOA’s honor to present Chief Scott Kirkland the Sherman Block Memorial Law Enforcement Professional of the Year award.