Volume 2, Issue 8 | August 3, 2023 | |
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On Thursday, July 27, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) personnel attended an awards ceremony at the Richard Nixon Library & Museum. Five Traffic officers were recognized at the annual Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) California Law Enforcement & Prosecutor Recognition Awards.
Top Arresting Officer Awardee:
Officer Dustin Fay for 220 DUI arrests
Century Awardees:
Officer Chasen Gaunt for 141 DUI arrests
Officer Hank Gallegos for 105 DUI arrests
Officer Kha Bao for 105 DUI arrests (not pictured)
Officer Erik Rosado for 102 DUI arrests
Each arrest is a potential life saved. For CMPD, that’s a total of 673 DUI arrests! These officers are truly dedicated to keeping our roadways safe.
"I am so proud of this group," said Traffic Lieutenant Stephanie Selinske. "They are leading the way for the County to keep the streets safe. Officer Fay is top in the County for DUI arrests and Officer Gaunt is second. With mostly all Century awards going to our team, they represent the best in the business!"
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Team Members of the Month - May
In July, Officer Chris Jones, Officer Michael Luu, and Reserve Officer Daniel Guth received a commendation and were recognized as Team Members of the Month in May for going above and beyond in their response to an overdose incident.
Officers Jones responded to a person overdosing on heroin in the 3200 block of Turlock Drive. Officer Jones responded with lights and sirens and located the reporting party performing CPR on the victim. Officer Luu arrived shortly thereafter. Officer Jones cleared the airway and rolled the victim off his back while yelling to Officer Luu to retrieve Narcan from his police cruiser.
Both officers were calm, cool, and collected as they revived the victim. They were also courteous with the friend of the victim when they asked her to step back from the situation. Officer Guth arrived and took the friend away from the scene and gathered further information. The medics arrived and took over life-saving measures to an awakened victim, whom they later transported.
The three officers maintained the situation using teamwork with poise and composure. They upheld a neutral demeanor with the victim and her friend even though it appeared the couple went to this area just to do drugs. After the friend left and the victim was transported, Officer Jones was contacted by residents in the area that asked about the commotion. Officer Jones explained the situation and answered questions about what to do when the neighbors saw others hanging out in the same area. Officer Jones gave them a business card with the non-emergency dispatch number and explained what to say to dispatch with the importance of identifying and describing vehicles and people.
The neighbor(s) subsequently contacted Mayor John Stephens and told him how pleased they were with the officer(s) response and customer service during this incident. The commendation serves to extend the police department’s gratitude for the performance, expertise, transparency, customer service and poise that the officers showed during this incident.
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On July 17, CMPD personnel attended the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Academy Graduation to welcome and congratulate two new officers! Officer Matthew Montoya and Officer Shaun Munoz graduated from the basic academy after 26 weeks of intensive instruction! The new officers were part of Class 255 of the Orange County Sheriff Regional Training Academy, one of the most challenging academies in the nation.
Officer Montoya was Class 255’s delta squad leader and guidon bearer.
Congratulations to Officers Montoya and Munoz and all the graduates now embarking on their law enforcement career to protect and serve their communities.
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A day before graduation, on July 16, at the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy, Montoya and Munoz, took part in the Fallen Officers Memorial 5K Run in honor of Buena Park Police Corporal Tyler Pinchot, EOW 9/21/03. Corporal Pinchot succumbed to injuries he had sustained three months earlier when his police motorcycle was struck from behind during a traffic stop.
Recruit Montoya was guidon bearer and proudly held the class flag.
Lt. Diaz and Officer Anders, who also ran, were there to show their support Class #255, SERVICE ABOVE SELF.
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Nicholas Siemiawski, Police Officer
Nicholas was raised in Illinois and graduated from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL, with a BS in Computer Science. Nicholas graduated from the LAPD Police Academy Class #11-21 in June 2022 and was assigned to Patrol prior to joining CMPD. Nicholas was formerly employed by CMPD as a police aide. Please join us in welcoming him back as an officer.
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Daniel Rubio, Community Services Specialist
Daniel was raised in Long Beach, CA and graduated from Ernest McBride High School. He is a graduate of Long Beach City College where he earned an Associates of Arts degree in Kinesiology. Daniel was previously employed by the Long Beach Police Department as a police cadet, special service officer, and police recruit.
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Physical Agility Test and Interviews
On July 15, 16 applicants participated in the Physical Agility Test (PAT). Applicants who want to become officers must successfully meet or exceed the physical fitness standards to continue in the hiring process. Those who passed went on to the oral panel. From this process, five candidates are currently in the background process. The next round of testing will take place on September 9.
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Training
On July 11, CMPD along with OCSD hosted Gun Violence Restraining Orders: Proactively Protecting People training at the Norma Hertzog Community Center. The session was presented by the San Diego City Attorney’s Office and approximately 50 officers and investigators from different agencies throughout OC attended.
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Every year, Palm Harvest Church of Costa Mesa stops by the Costa Mesa Police Department to whip up a BBQ lunch on one of the busiest days for Patrol Operations while they handle calls for service and reports of illegal fireworks.
This year, Palm Harvest treated on-duty CMPD personnel with an Independence Day BBQ in the PD parking lot.
Special thank you to Pastor/CMPD Chaplain Mike Decker, and all of the wonderful members of Palm Harvest Church, including our volunteer Geri Ghiselin, for the kind generosity and support of our local first responders on such a busy day.
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Reserve Officer David Dehuff
On July 11, the Costa Mesa Police Department recognized Reserve Officer David Dehuff for over 40 years of service to the department, all in the name of civic duty.
As a reserve officer, Dehuff volunteers to work to supplement patrol, and he augments staffing levels at the Plaza Unit.
Our residents might recognize Dehuff, who is consistently at City Council meetings as the Sergeant at Arms. Dehuff created a training outline on the Sergeant at Arms duties and coordinated with City Hall staff to present the training in the Council Chambers. Thanks to him, the department now has several officers properly trained as Sergeant at Arms.
He is well known around the department for his professionalism, his commitment, and his great attitude. The department thanks Dehuff for his significant contributions as a reserve officer.
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PERT Leslie Rankin
After 10 years of being a constant and supportive friend and colleague to the CMPD team, Leslie Rankin from the Orange County Health Care Agency completed her last shift on July 6.
“There are countless individuals within our community and our department that have benefited from her expertise and her compassionate nature. She has become a trusted confidant and a friend to many of us in the department. We want to express our deepest appreciation for Leslie’s dedication, professionalism, and friendship for the past 10 years,” said Lt. Bradbury, who oversees Peer Support and worked closely with Leslie.
Leslie will continue to partner with CMPD as a Peer Support member.
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K9 Unit
In July, CMPD's K9 Unit participated in Motorhome Madness and were the featured theme for the Department.
The K9 Unit's Officer George Maridakis with K9 Bodi, Officer Candyce McMorris with K9 Aran, and Agitator Eric Molina performed a demonstration for the large crowd during the main event on July 28. They entered the pit right behind Chief Ron Lawrence and after the demonstration, Chief Lawrence battled it out in the Motorhome Madness RV Demolition Derby against Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Dan Stefano and fellow police and fire chiefs from neighboring departments!
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This month, the K9 Unit also participated in Parks & Community Services photo contest for July's Parks Make Life Better. Officer Maridakis took plenty of photos of K9 Bodi, which were featured on Parks' social media. At the end of the month and contest, one of Bodi's photos was awarded winner of the contest along with three other community member photos.
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Homicide Arrest
On July 3, at approximately 10:44 p.m., Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Communications received calls of gunshots heard in the 2000 block of the Sterling Alley near Pomona Avenue. Officers arrived at the scene and found a 38-year-old man from Costa Mesa with multiple gunshot wounds on the sidewalk. Officers started life-saving efforts including CPR and the use of an AED machine.
Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue paramedics responded and transported the victim to Orange County Global Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he died as a result of his injuries.
The next day, July 4, detectives diligently identified and arrested Ryan Rosas, 20, Costa Mesa, in connection with the homicide of Jonathan Ray Valdez, 38, Costa Mesa. Detectives also recovered the weapon suspected to be used in the homicide.
The Investigations Services Bureau subsequently submitted the case to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
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To Catch a Smuggler
The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) was part of an operation featured in an episode of National Geographic's To Catch a Smuggler. Check out Season Five, Episode Six: "Dope in the Hood," online to catch our SIU team in action!
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Motorhome Madness
The Motorhome Madness RV Demolition Derby was a success in large part thanks to the Traffic Safety Bureau (TSB) team including Lt. Stephanie Selinske, Officer Jose Torres, Officer Bunnath Phot, Officer Kevin Christianson, Officer Heath McMahon and their fellow teammates who were there for support. Captain Wadkins and Sgt. Matt Selinske also participated and represented CMPD in a big way!
Spectators saw a lot of figure-8 demos, wheels spinning in the mud, and some derby crashes in Orange Crush.
It was Police vs. Fire on the first two nights, July 26 and July 27, when the TSB team competed. On the first night, Officer Christianson and Officer McMahon competed against other departments, and many say Christianson came in first beating out fire competitors. Somehow, they made the wrong call that night when they named Fire the victor and Officer Christianson as second runner up.
On the second night, during Orange Crush Demolition Derby, both Lt. Selinske and Sgt. Selinske and Captain Wadkins, as a late addition, came up strong albeit second. Good news, Police did beat out Fire for the win! Go Team!
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Loud Exhaust Enforcement
On July 15, the Traffic Safety Bureau participated in an Orange County Loud Exhaust Task Force hosted by the Laguna Beach Police Department, which involved 20 officers from neighboring police departments and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. This effort was to address the countywide community concerns we have all been receiving about loud exhaust, speed, and emissions violations. We heard your concerns and did something about it.
In Costa Mesa, CMPD Traffic officers made 59 stops for loud exhaust, issued 48 tickets, sent 16 cars to the state referee for modified emission systems, confiscated five altered license plates, impounded two cars, and made one arrest for a reckless driving warrant.
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Neighborhood Watch
In July, Crime Prevention Specialist Jenette Martinez participated in three Neighborhood Watch (NW) meetings in different parts of Costa Mesa that were hosted by the neighborhood block captains to discuss neighborhood-specific concerns. CPS Jenette Martinez was accompanied at each meeting with one sworn officer including Sgt. Mario Garcia, and Officer Crystal Cordero.
At one of the NW meetings, Traffic Safety Bureau Sergeant Pat Wessel and Crime Prevention Specialist Jenette Martinez attended a Neighborhood Watch meeting hosted by a block captain at the 500 block of Anton Boulevard. Sgt. Wessel and CPS Martinez had a great conversation with residents over loud exhaust concerns and what the police department is doing about the issue.
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of residents in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life in your area. Crime prevention is a community effort.
The Neighborhood Watch Program involves:
- A neighbor assigned as the Block Captain applies to the program.
- Neighbors getting to know each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance.
- Citizens being trained to recognize and report to police suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
- Overview of calls for service for the neighborhood.
- The implementation of crime prevention techniques, such as home security, the program Operation ID, and crime prevention through environmental design.
CPS Martinez, with assistance from Officer Isidrio Gallardo, also hosted a Crime Prevention meeting for the Historical Society at the Norma Hertzog Community Center.
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Teen Academy
The Costa Mesa Police Department hosted the Teen Academy from July 17 to July 21. The program is designed to be a fun learning experience and increase students’ knowledge of a police department, how it is organized, and how they serve and protect their community. Instructors will come from all areas of the Department. They educate students on patrol operations, investigations, CSI, SWAT, K9, narcotics, gangs, traffic laws, firearms, driving under the influence, property and evidence booking, communications and dispatch, among other law enforcement subjects. Students will have the opportunity to participate in practical demonstrations and each of them will go on a ride-along with an officer.
Throughout the Teen Academy, students met the chief of police, the deputy chief, captains, supervisors, patrol officers, detectives, dispatchers, and other members of the police department. This Teen Academy was every day this week from 8:30am - 2pm and included lunch. Students had the opportunity to sit down and break bread with officers while engaging in meaningful conversations.
On July 18, the Costa Mesa Police Association hosted lunch, worked the BBQ, and made burgers and hot dogs for the students.
On July 21, the 17 students graduated and were treated to a visit from HB-1 and lunch with their families.
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On July 17, Chief Ron Lawrence and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue’s Fire Chief Dan Stefano visited CHOC Hospital to meet with staff and patients, who received all funds raised from the Motorhome Madness RV Demolition Derby.
“We are doing this for the kids and the staff at CHOC; we support these brave children and the wonderful staff that work hard to save lives,” said both Chief Lawrence and Chief Stefano.
Chief Lawrence also visited Southside Tow to pick out his RV. Chief had to pick the best RV!
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On July 28, Chief Ron Lawrence competed against other police and fire chiefs. During his entrance and K9 demonstration, Chief Lawrence and the team got the biggest response from the crowd making CMPD the crowd favorite! They received a trophy for "Best of Show." Check out Chief Chatter to read about Chief Lawrence's experience in Motorhome Madness.
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 |  | With nightfall setting in, I started the engine on my circa 1990 motorhome RV, which had been recently towed to the back pits of the arena at the OC Fair. As the starter anguished to turn the engine on, two dual batteries arching sparks from within the cockpit, blue smoke billowing up from the manifold, the distinct smell of gasoline fumes wafting throughout the inside of the metal beast; I could hear the chant of the cheering crowd packed into the sold-out stadium. I felt immersed in a mix of a Roman Gladiator competition combined with a vintage Mad Max movie, and the time had come for battle in the annual Motorhome Madness. Our CMPD team had already taken to the dirty arena in the figure-eight and Demolition Derby competition, so we were well represented with courageous drivers ready to pit themselves in demolition for a good cause. The Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) was the recipient of this year's Motorhome Madness and Demolition Derby fundraiser. I am proud of all members of the CMPD who participated in this beloved annual community event; to include the drivers, as well as all those who worked behind the scenes to make this a successful event. Special shout out to our K9 Unit, Officers Maridakis, McMorris and agitator Molina, along with their police K9 partners, who did a spectacular job escorting me into the area and performing a stellar K9 demonstration for the crowd! Thanks to them, we won “Best of Show.” Congratulations to all of our drivers!
We will soon launch a department-wide survey called an “Organizational Health Survey.” Many of you recall taking this survey about a year ago. The survey is anonymous, and all are encouraged to participate. The Organizational Health Survey helps me, and our Executive Team better understand what is going well in the organization, what areas we can improve upon, and areas we can focus on. We read the comments and use the information to address organizational weaknesses, leverage our strengths, and develop our annual Strategic Plan to accomplish longer-term goals. I hope you all take the time to take the survey, as this is my way of providing an opportunity for you to have a voice in your police department, and how we operate. Most organizations don’t solicit this type of feedback, but I find that getting direct feedback from our staff who are actually doing the work, to be positive and crucial to help us get better as a whole team. I look forward to reading your feedback!
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