Officer Identified

MIKE DELGADILLO - R.I.P.
The Costa Mesa police officer who died last night as a result of injuries in a single car accident on Bristol Street when his car crashed into a cement pillar has been identified as Senior Police Officer Mike Delgadillo.  The photo above is from the celebration of his 30 years with the City of Costa Mesa a year ago.

FLAGS AT HALF-STAFF
Flags at City Hall are flying at half staff and the members of the CMPD with whom I've spoken are in shock at the abrupt passing of this highly-respected officer.

"LIKE A BULLDOG"
A former co-worker, Marty Carver, described Delgadillo in a comment thread in the initial Daily Pilot article, HERE,  thus: "I worked with this man for over 30 years and we was one of the best. He was an excellent police officer, father, friend, and son. Once he was on a case, he was like a bull dog who would not cease until it was solved. He was always a kind, compassionate man who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. One of his strongest qualities was his ability to make everyone laugh."

Here's the text of the press release issued by the Costa Mesa Police Department minutes ago:

On March 5, 2013, at approximately 10:15 P.M., Detective Michael “Mike” Delgadillo, a senior member of the Costa Mesa Police Department, was involved in a traffic collision on Bristol Street at Newport Boulevard.

Mike was heroically treated at the scene of the collision by responding Costa Mesa Police Officers and Fire Personnel, before being transported to Western Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased early this morning. The collision is still under investigation. No further details are available.

Mike honorably and faithfully served the City of Costa Mesa Police Department for 32-years. Mike started his career in October of 1981. Mike did an exceptional job as a young Patrol Officer, which led to him being selected to his first specialty assignment with the South Coast Plaza Unit, providing law enforcement services to employees and customers. While assigned to the SCP Unit, Mike promoted to Senior Officer in 1984.

In 1987 Mike volunteered to return to Patrol as a Field Training Officer in order to help train and mentor new officers. As an FTO Mike received many accolades and was described as a “Great FTO” by supervision. 

From 1988 through 1994, Mike was a Canine Officers, serving the community well with his partner, Police Service Dog Nero. As a Canine Officer, Mike received many commendations.

In 1996, Mike was selected as an Investigator in the Gang Unit, where he served one year before being selected as a Narcotic Investigator in 1997. Mike worked many major narcotics cases during his seven years of service in the unit. 

In 2004, Mike was selected to his most current assignment in the Department’s Investigative Services Bureau, where Mike has served admirably as a Detective. Most recently, Mike was assigned as a Crimes Against Persons Detective. Mike has handled many major cases and has dutifully served the Costa Mesa community and more specifically the victims of the many cases he has worked over the years. 

Mike is described as a loyal, dedicated, hardworking employee. Mike is probably best known for his charismatic personality and his strong desire to train and mentor others, by imparting his vast knowledge and many years of experience to the younger and less experienced.

Mike will be missed dearly by all.

 CONDOLENCES TO ALL
We here at A Bubbling Cauldron offer our deepest condolences to Mike's family and to his CMPD family, as well.