Last weekend the Colton Police Department, under the leadership of newly promoted Chief, Henry Dominguez, took a few moments of time from their busy schedules to pause for a select handful of recognition awards for 2021.
This annual event, held at the Colton First Assembly Church, has grown over the last few years, not only in popularity for employee recognition, but for serving as a positive counter-action to a perceived rough and tough “bad guy” persona that often comes with dealing with real bad guys on the street.
In reality, the members of the Colton Police Department are not only employees, but they are citizens, residents, spouses, parents, and even sons and daughters of seniors who represent our community and put their life and well-being on the line daily for the protection of the residents of Colton. Their goal is “to serve and to protect,” says Chief Dominguez.
After an impressive presentation of colors by the CPD Honor Guard, opening remarks were made by Chief Dominguez, followed by an invocation by Police Chaplain, Eric Strutz. The award presentations were conducted by Lieutenant Ray Mendez, and assisted by Chief Dominguez. The award recipients were;
Clerk Mallory Lipert; Non-Sworn Employee of the Year
For exemplary service as a Records Clerk assigned to the Records Division of the Colton Police Department, Mallory Lipert has been selected as Non-Sworn Employee of the Year. Mallory goes above and beyond her assigned work responsibilities within the Records Division. She enthusiastically performs ancillary tasks such as assisting with DUI/ Driver’s License Checkpoints conducted throughout the year for the Office of Traffic Safety, assisting Dispatch during times of absence, and taking photographs for the department. Additionally, Mallory assists both the CPOA and K-9 association with the sale of merchandise in order to raise funds for both of those organization. Mallory is an exceptional team player. Her dedication and joyful attitude brings great credit upon her and the Colton Police Department.
Dispatcher Kimberly George; Dispatcher of the Year
For outstanding job performance as a Dispatcher for the Colton Police Department, Dispatcher Kimberly George has been selected as the Dispatcher of the Year for 2020. Over the past year Kim’s kind heart and dedication to her job has been valued by members of the shift she supports. Kim often devotes her own time to prepare meals for her shift on holidays and other special occasions. Her knowledge and passion for the job is commendable. Her selfless devotion for others brings great credit upon herself, and the Colton Police Department.
Officer Isabel Jaramillo; Officer of the Year
For outstanding service as a Police Officer Assigned to the Patrol Division of the Colton Police Department, Police Officer Isabel Jaramillo has been selected as Officer of the Year for 2020. Officer Jaramillo has excelled during her assignment to Platoons One and Three where she had made 134 criminal arrests for various offenses throughout the year. 33 three of those arrests were for felony related crimes. Officer Jaramillo completed 329 reports, which contained minimal or no errors. Officer Jaramillo went above and beyond by conducting additional investigative steps prior to submitting her reports for review. During the year, the Identification Officer assigned to Platoon Three had an extended absence. Officer Jaramillo volunteered and filled in during the officer’s absence. Officer Jaramillo’s dedication and hard work brings great credit upon herself, the Colton Police Department, and the police service.
Officer Daniel Muro; Life Saving Award
The Colton Police Department takes great pleasure in awarding the Lifesaving Medal to Officer Daniel Muro. On 03/08/2020, Colton PD was dispatched to a medical aid call of a 56-year-old male not breathing. Colton PD officers responded and Officer Muro immediately began CPR. At the time, the victim had been in cardiac arrest for approximately 5 minutes. Colton Fire Department arrived on scene and continued lifesaving measures for approximately 30 minutes. As paramedics received authority to seize lifesaving operations, a pulse was obtained and the patient was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he survived and was later released days later. Colton FD Battalion Chief Valentin later contacted Colton PD stating “It is without any doubt that your officers played a huge part in saving this patient’s life. The members of the Colton Fire Department would like to extend our sincere appreciation and acknowledge your officers for their efforts in initiating quality CPR.” Officer Muro’s actions and commitment to lifesaving measures brings great credit upon himself, the Colton Police Department and Law Enforcement.
Corporal Paul Grimes; Distinction Award
For extraordinary service as a K9 Handler with the Colton Police Department between end of year 2007 to January 2021, Corporal Paul Grimes is awarded the Ribbon of Distinction. Corporal Grimes has consistently distinguished himself with exemplary performance throughout his nearly 14 years as a K9 Handler with the Colton Police Department. Corporal Grimes’s knowledge and experience in his craft is unsurpassed. His commendable performance is in keeping of the highest traditions of the Colton Police Department, and reflects great credit upon himself, and the police service.
Detective Anthony Jaeger; Distinction Award
For exceptional service as a Detective with the Colton Police Department from January 2016 to January 2021, Detective Anthony Jaeger is awarded the Ribbon of Distinction. Detective Jaeger has continually distinguished himself through exemplary efforts while assigned to the Detective Division. His knowledge and experience in conducting criminal investigations is deeply valued and held in high regard within the Department. Detective Jaeger’s commendable performance is in keeping of the highest traditions of the Colton Police Department, and reflects great credit upon himself, the Detective Division, and the police service.
Corporal (Ret) Michael Collins; Retirement Recognition
The Colton Police Department would like to honor Corporal Mike Collins for his 14 years of dedicated service as a law enforcement officer for the city of Colton. Mike began his career with the Colton Police Department in October of 2005. As an officer, Mike held the following assignments: Patrol Officer, Gang Investigator, Field Training Officer, Cart Academy Instructor, Background Investigator, and Investigations. Mike was promoted to Corporal in October of 2016, where he returned to patrol. Mike honorably retired from the department on November 18th, 2019 as a result of an on duty injury. Mike's dedicated service and steadfast devotion to duty brings great credit upon himself, the Colton Police Department, and the police service.
We are certainly proud to recognize all of our employees in the Police Department and we would like to congratulate the members who were presented with these special awards. We sure have great employees who do a great job and care about our city.
For more information about CITY TALK, various community groups, the trash clean-up, or the online live-stream programs, contact Dr.G @ 213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.
For more local news and information click here.