Front Row From left are Julie Cortez, Ricardo Ramirez, Sal Lombardo, Rob Strange and Victoria Vincent. Back row, from left, are Gerardo Romero, Andrea King, Louis Esway, Jesus Gonzalez, Mitchell Williams, Jason Winger, Jason Fortier, Jerry Watson, Ryan Lukins, Andrey Kinda, Matthew Montez, Charles Meeks, Curtis Adams and Dearl Smith. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento Police Department

WEST SACRAMENTO (MPG) – The West Sacramento Police Department held their Annual Awards dinner to honor the outstanding work that West Sacramento’s finest did in 2023. With all of the officers in their finest blues and sporting their shiniest awards, stripes, bars and stars, our distinguished Police force was able to relax for the night as they received the praise that they so often earn but are so rarely given.

The West Sacramento Police Department has been working very hard to interact with the community in a positive way, while still doing what is required to safeguard our city. Carl Crouch was MC for the evening. He started off by stating that the “hard-working law enforcement employees are the backbone of our community’s safety and security. Whether patrolling the streets, investigating crimes, working behind the scenes to support department operations or engaging with the community, their efforts contribute to fostering a sense of safety and trust.”

Chief of Police, Rob Strange, had some very touching words about the West Sacramento Police force. “True character is revealed in the most difficult of times… and we have experienced and endured those events and period of time both personally and professionally throughout 2023”, he said. The chief spoke about the comradery and support that “serves to soften even the sharpest pains,” while talking about the force’s brotherhood.

The West Sacramento Police Department Awards are as follows: Commanding Officer’s Citation – Traffic Secretary Jessica Hunt. Commanding Offer’s Citation – West Sacramento Police Department SWAT has been activated and deployed to an increasing number of critical incidences, which forces them to balance their primary responsibilities with their critical role as a SWAT member. West Sacramento Police Department SWAT Team: Sergeant Alexei Venikov, Sergeant Andre Kinda, SIU Detective Nate Ogden, Detective Cody Coulter, Officer Seth Killion, Officer Hector Torres, Officer Jesus Gonzalez, Officer Jonas Eiremo, Officer Curtis Adams, Former members Naziry Yakimchuk and Nick Lewis.

Commanding Officer’s Citation – Investigations Unit. In this past year, the Investigations Unit has worked very hard in their duties. But in addition to their own case load, they often had to assist others. Also, because of being short staffed, many of the Investigating Officers filled various shifts on patrol, while simultaneously investigating a homicide. Commanding Officer’s Citation – Finance Analyst Shawnae Brooks.

Exceptional Performance Ribbon – Sgt. Jerry Watson. Sergeant Watson, in addition to patrol, is a training officer. In 2023, he coordinated field training for four community service officers, five police officers and six police recruits. He has balanced the schedules for the officers, accommodated new recruitment ideas and worked with other agencies to support the recruit’s progress, visits academies and even attending training graduations. Many times, these items are outside of his regular duties.

Exceptional Performance Ribbon – Officer Mitchell Williams is enthusiastic with a positive outlook on his job. He is a Field Training Officer who also serves on the Recruitment Team. He is known to treat everyone with respect and will always take the time to help someone with a question.

Exceptional Performance Ribbon – Officer Ricardo Ramirez, while working mandatory overtime, became aware of a call of a fight with a knife. He assigned himself to the call and responded while cover officers became available. He was quickly alerted to a victim with multiple stab wounds. Officer Ramirez administered medical care until West Sac Fire arrived. While officers were still arriving, Ramirez was able to provide crucial information that led to the suspect’s arrest. This was vital because at that point, officers believed the suspect was a victim.

Exceptional Performance Ribbon – Sgt. Jason Fortier is the sergeant of the traffic unit. In addition to responding to the city’s traffic complaints, he is also in charge of traffic for all big events in West Sacramento. In 2023, the city hosted multiple large-scale events and Sergeant Fortier managed this with only half the staff.

Life Saving Medal – Officer Michael Muro responded to a shooting that occurred in the area of Tradewinds Circle. Officer Muro arrived within three minutes of the call and found the victim had been shot in the leg. Officer Muro applied a tourniquet, while translating from Spanish to English, vital information to responding officers. It was later determined at UC Davis Hospital that the victim had a damaged artery in his leg and the tourniquet applied saved his life.

Life Saving Medal – Officer Hector Torres and Officer Jonas Eiremo responded to a two-vehicle accident on West Capitol Avenue and Westacre Road. Upon arrival, the two officers assessed two victims that were trapped in one of the vehicles. Officer Eiremo broke the window to gain access. While Eiremo was assessing the victim, officer Torres pulled the damaged door out of the way. The officers checked the passenger’s vitals. She was unconscious with shallow breathing. The officers removed her from the car and could not feel a pulse. They administered CPR until they were relieved by West Sacramento Fire D and AMR, who continued CPR until the female’s heart was restarted.

Community Recognition Citation – CPS Liaison Savannah Cazares was given this award for being a vital part in the department’s interactions with juveniles and sometimes their families.

Chief’s Citation – Information Technology Specialist II Sean Dunn and Information Technology Support Specialist I Bryan Lembach received this award for their pivotal role in the advancement of technology-based systems and tools within the department.

Distinguished Leadership Award – Sgt. Alexei Venikov was given this first-time award for his exceptional leadership skills and contributions to the vision of the department’s mission and values. With his high standards of integrity, he motivates fellow officers in a positive work environment. He has stepped in to carry a heavy workload to help the department succeed.

Volunteer of the Year – Jeshmin Singh is a volunteer who helps the Police Department in organizing events with community outreach and recently wrapped presents for more than 800 local youth they supported in the annual toy drive during the holidays.

From left are Chief Rob Strange, Jeshmin Singh and Division Manager Community Outreach Taylor Nelson. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento Police Department

Employee of the Year – Police Records Technician Julie Cortez was given Employee of the Year for her dedication and professionalism. Her attention to detail and willingness to train new staff when she was relatively new herself was noted. She continues to exceed expectations while providing officers with support and enhancing community relations.

From left are Chief Rob Strange, Julie Cortez and Lt. Sal Lombardo. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento Police Department

Manager of the Year – Lt. Ryan Lukins has received Manger of the Year for his approachability and dedication to mentorship. His consistent support to the team has contributed significantly to the well-being of the officers.

From left are Chief Rob Strange, Lt. Ryan Lukins and Deputy Chief Charles Meeks. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento Police Department

Team of the Year – Sgt. Lou Cameron, K9 Officer Matt Montez, Officer Erika Barajas, Officer Brandon Pegos and Officer Ricardo Ramirez received this award for the exceptional performance and noteworthy success in fulfilling the department’s mission.

Officer of the Year – K9 Officer Matthew Montez received the highest honor bestowed on an individual officer.

From left are Chief Rob Strange, Officer Matthew Montez, Deputy Chief Charles Meeks and Yoda. Photo courtesy of the West Sacramento Police Department

Officer Montez is an exceptional officer who is always willing to cover a shift, work overtime, bring his partner Yoda to assist at events or on calls. Both Montez and Yoda are likeable, approachable, professional members of the West Sacramento Police Department. Officer Montez was the spearhead for a top-notch, very successful 5k run to benefit the K9 Association.

Chief Strange told the officers “You are the ones who stand the line in an unpredictable and increasingly volatile environment. You are the courageous ones who can be the compassionate counselor, the teacher, the problem solver… but you are also the ones that quickly switch into the absolute WARRIOR for the vulnerable, for justice, for righteousness, every single time it is called for.” He also said, “For 2024, I would ask that you keep that focus… continue knowing that you chose to do something that matters; to do something that will last, and with impacts that may change generations.