Costa Mesa Police Officers Recognized

A "REWARDING" TIME
It's been an interesting few days for the Costa Mesa Police Department

A PRIVATE CEREMONY

 (Chief Gazsi, photo courtesy of Cindy Brenneman)

Monday morning, March 17th, Chief Tom Gazsi formally recognized recent-hires and newly promoted police officers, as well as six Employees of the Year for their distinguished service during 2013.  The event was held in a private ceremony at the Crossing Church in Costa Mesa.

RECIPIENTS
Recognized yesterday morning with Employee of the Year awards were Police Explorers Eric Molina and Sally Ortiz, volunteer Tom Graham, recently retired Detective Secretary Ursula Basich, Police Officer Mike Cohen and Police Sergeant Scott May.

(Lt. Scott, Lt. Davis, Captain Gogerty, Sgt. May, Chief Gazsi, 
Officer Cohen, Captain Sharpnack, Lt. Glass, Lt. Manley)

MIKE COHEN
Officer Mike Cohen was honored as Officer of the Year for 2013.  His CMPD career began in 1987, where he has worked Patrol and speciality assignments including Traffic Safety Bureau, Detective Bureau and as a Canine Officer.  He has also worked as a SWAT Officer, Field Training Officer, Firearms Instructor and Department Assistant Armorer.  Currently he works a weekend schedule to best meet the needs of developing new police officers assigned to Patrol.

SCOTT MAY
Sergeant Scott May was honored as Supervisor of the Year for 2013.  He began with the CMPD in 1985 where he worked Patrol, as a motorcycle officer and as a Narcotics Investigator.  He served as a member of the Orange County Regional Narcotics Suppression Team and as a SWAT Sergeant.  He currently oversees the Special Investigations/Gang unit.  During the last five years May's detail has seized nearly $60 million of narcotic asset funds; over 1,600 kilograms of cocaine; more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana; over 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine and over 20 pounds of heroin.

 (Chief Gazsi and Explorer Sally Ortiz)

 (Chief Gazsi and Explorer Eric Molina)

 (Chief Gazsi with Volunteer Tom Graham and his wife, Jeanine)

2014 MADD CENTURY AWARDS
Also acknowledged at the breakfast presentations were six Costa Mesa Police Officers who were recently honored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for their diligence in arresting impaired drivers.  Those six tallied at least 100 DUI arrests during 2013 and were among the 14 officers so recognized in Orange County.  Shown in the photo below are officers Jeff Horn, Jose Torres, Erik Rosado, Oscar Reyes and Crystal Rodriguez.  Officer Jason Hatton is not shown.  Kudos to these officers for continuing to try to keep us safe.

KUDOS, AND THANKS

Congratulations to all those members and former members of the Costa Mesa Police Department for their dedication and skill, and for doing their part to provide the best police effort possible under very difficult circumstances.