1532 e. chestnut ave. santa ana, ca 92701 714.542.7203
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1532 e. chestnut ave. santa ana, ca 92701 714.542.7203
VOLUME 28 NUM 4 OCT.-DEC. 2014 WWW.SANTAANAPOA.COM President’s Message P1 My Rambling Thoughts Chaplain’s Corner P2 Throwdown Crossfit P8-9 P10-11 The Absence of Leadership P3 Honoring our Vets P12 Retiree Update In the Line of Duty P14-15 Officer Dan Hale P5 P6-7 Field of Dreams P19 President’s Message By John Franks As I started originally writing this article, the main focus was going to cover the recent city council meetings, anarchists, and poor judgment and lack of support from certain council members. The focus and perspective of the article changed when law enforcement personnel nationwide began to be fatally attacked for one reason, they were uniformed police officers. In June of this year, two Las Vegas Metro police officers were ambushed and shot execution style while eating lunch. In August, a uniformed LA County Sheriff’s deputy was brutally kicked, stomped and beaten unconscious during an unprovoked attack at the Lakewood mall. In September, two Pennsylvania state troopers were ambushed outside a police barracks. One trooper was killed. October 2014 was one of the deadliest months for law enforcement I have seen in a long time. In Ottawa Canada, a uniformed soldier was shot and killed while standing guard at a war memorial. In New York City, 4 police officers were attacked by a hatchet wielding lunatic. One of them was critically wounded. In Washington DC, another police officer was attacked by someone with an axe. The officer was inside his car at the time and was not seriously injured. Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Oliver and Placer County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Davis were killed by a deported felon armed with an assault rifle. Another Placer Deputy was wounded. Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko was struck and killed by a drunk driver. And finally, Pomona Police officer Shaun Diamond was shot and killed during a warrant service. Officer Dan Alcala and I attended the Funeral service for Sacramento Deputy Danny Oliver. I was honored to be part of a very large SAPD attendance for Officer Diamond’s service. We received a lot of compliments from other agencies on how many attended and how sharp we looked marching in together. I am still a firm believer that no matter how short staffed we are and no matter how bad we think morale is, when we come together for a cause, nobody does it better than Santa Ana PD. A special thanks to Officer Nelson Menendez and Anthony Cardenal, who showed up the morning of the service at 0430 hours to wash, wax and fuel up 19 patrol cars for the caravan and procession. Officer Diamond was a friend to many at SAPD and he will be forever missed. Santa Ana Police Officers pay respects to Pomona Police Officer Shaun Diamond. EOW 10/30/2014 On Halloween night, we were struck with another tragedy. Our officers responded within minutes to a fatal hit and run traffic accident. Three teenage girls crossing Fairhaven were struck and killed. Both families, witnesses, our officers, investigators and CSI personnel will be forever scarred from this horrific tragedy. SAPOA immediately started a fund to assist the families. Prior to the funerals, we were able to deliver immediate financial assistance. As I write this, there is a stack of recently delivered checks from the community that still need to be delivered. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those that will forever be affected by this tragedy and a job well done to our personnel who spent many subsequent hours, investigating the case and apprehending the suspect. In closing, we do a job that many could never do for many reasons. Even with all that has gone on with the anti-law enforcement groups in our City, all that we’ve endured with staffing, and a lack of support and tragedy, I am not surprised we have all remained true professionals and loyal to our Code of Ethics. Have a blessed holiday. John Franks Sihilling Metal 1018 E. Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana, CA 92701 714.543.7051 Mell O Dee Ice Cream 2649 W. 1st St. Santa Ana, CA 92703 714.543.6251 RELIABLE SOURCE 1 Chaplain’s Corner Learning to Cherish and Savor By Chaplain Bob There is seldom a time that I am called to a tragedy that I don’t come away with a good deal of introspection. To see the loss of three teenage girls to a hit and run driver was a horrible, nightmarish event that should cause everyone to contemplate. First and foremost as a parent, I can’t help but think of the families of the three girls and the unending grief they feel. Secondly, I think of all the incredible men and women in law enforcement that I am privileged to be around, and thank God for their willingness to do a difficult and painful job. For twenty two years I have watched them tirelessly enter into the pain and hurts of a fallen world to help bring order to anarchy, peace in the midst of turmoil, and the promise of justice to the wronged. In those kinds of tragedies where evil casts a dark shadow, I remember what the scriptures promise. “Light shines in the darkness, and darkness does not overcome it.”(John 1:5) Simply put, there is never a shadow that can put out light. Light always drives out darkness and will ultimately prove to be victorious over what evil has done. As difficult as it is, this tragedy has a way of reminding us to never take things for granted, and to savor and cherish what is precious. That includes our families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, health, and life itself. It should make us listen more, talk less, love selflessly, and give generously. Yes, I have been thinking about a lot of things, and it is now my prayer that we come to the Thanksgiving holiday humbly asking the Lord to give us each a grateful heart that takes nothing for granted and opens our eyes to see what is precious and priceless around us. Thank you, and may God bless you and keep you safe. Chaplain Bob 2 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION In The Absence Of Leadership By Diane Helbig Author and Business Development Coach The funny thing about leadership is that it's more noticeable when it's missing than when it's present. Consider the people you are exposed to. How many of them stand out as leaders? Does the thought even occur to you? Now, how many of them shine as poor, ineffective, even damaging managers? The bad ones are easy to spot. They tend to tear people down instead of build them up. They are usually poor communicators and micromanagers. Employees expect certain things from their leaders. They expect integrity, positive reinforcement as well as constructive criticism, support, and guidance. They also expect their leaders to believe in them and to help them realize success. The good leaders realize this. The bad ones - or as we'll call them, the 'non-leaders' fail to consider how they are being perceived by those around them. Too often they don't think before they act or speak. And once done or said it's a bell they can't un-ring. So how does this happen? How do 'non-leaders' obtain leadership positions? Often times they are promoted beyond their effectiveness. This is the man or woman who was really good at what they were doing. So, management/ownership decided they'd be the right choice to lead their department. The problem is this - if they don't have leadership skills, or can't learn them they will not only be ineffective, they'll be damaging. And chances are they'll be miserable. The other group of 'nonleaders' are those who talk their way into a leadership position. They interview their way in. While good talkers, the reality is that although they know what to SAY, they don't know what to DO. The employees usually identify these imposters immediately. At first blush they can tell that the 'leader' is really a 'nonleader' and incapable of taking the department where it needs to go. This is where it gets dangerous. The employees lose faith in the upper management/ownership because they see them making bad decisions. After all, they have the right to expect the ownership or upper management to provide them with resources and tools (read as managers/ leaders) that will help them be successful. When the upper management/ ownership fails to do this, in effect they are telling their staff that they don't care about their success. It's a bad message to send and it can ruin an otherwise good company. The good, motivated, productive employees who want and expect good leadership will leave. They know they deserve good leaders and will explore until they find the fit for them. Once found, they will exceed even their own expectations of themselves. The mediocre employees will learn how to function within the environment and do the bare minimum to get by. The unproductive employees, if there are any, will continue to skate under the radar. They'll find ways to deflect attention off of themselves and onto the 'non-leader' creating a crippled environment. Productivity suffers, morale decreases, and ultimately the customer is the biggest loser. While this happens more frequently than it should, there are ways to safeguard against it. A key step is for the ownership/ upper management to keep their eye on the cul- ture they've established and wish to keep in their company. Every staff member needs to fit into that vision. When interviewing from the outside, culture becomes even more important. Bringing in someone who doesn't fit with your corporate culture can destroy your business. Go with your gut. If the candidate says all the right things, but something nags at you - you're right. Don't hire them. You know the saying - a rising tide lifts all boats. You want to hire someone who is going to raise your people up. Someone they will be able to get behind and work with. It's worth the time and effort to pick the right person. You may want to solicit the assistance of an outside individual who knows you, your company, and your vision. They can often see things you can't because they aren't as invested in the outcome as you are. Have them sit in on the interview to observe. They will most likely pick up on things you'll miss. You may even want the candidate to meet the staff - as a possible addition to the team. In this way you can see how they interact with the employees. You may see characteristics you hadn't noticed in the interview. Just as valuable, you'll see how your employees respond to the candidate. Staying in tune to how it 'feels' is just as important as how their resume looks. When thinking about promoting someone, you should clearly evaluate that decision. When promoting to a leadership position, interview them carefully to determine if they will be successful. Watch them interact with their co -workers and get their co- workers involved in the decision making process. They usually have the best read on each other. Moreover, if people are honest with themselves, they will know whether they can be successful leaders. If they know it's okay to stay right where they are, they'll be honest about whether they feel it would be a good move. You may want to give them a probationary period where you work with them. In this way you have the opportunity to make sure this new 'leader' knows what your goals, beliefs, and vision are. Both of you will have the chance to see if the position is a good fit for them. If not, allow them to resume their old position. In the end, you don't want to lose a good person because you tried something with them. Lastly, maintain open communication with your staff. Make sure you can listen to what they have to say. Believe it or not, they are invested in your success - because it guarantees their success. When you have staff people who you trust to tell you the truth, solicit their input periodically. And by all means, if you hear bad news - act on it. This will save you months and possibly years of aggravation and productivity declines. If you don't act, you may find your company on a downward slope that you can't recover from. Then, no one wins. (This article was printed February 18, 2008 and permission to re-print was granted by D i a n e H el b i g , www.seizethisdaycoaching. com ) RELIABLE SOURCE 3 SANDALWOOD SEPE FAMILY 5699 Kanan Road Suite 225 Agoura, CA 91301 818.889.8140 Y&D General Services Santa Ana Police PATTY EXPRESS FOOD 2320 Olive Avenue Long Beach, CA 90806 562.355.7432 Officers INTERNAL WELLNESS/HOSPITAL GROUP a Safe and Happy ANTONIO PINION & TERESA PINION would like to wish the New Year in 2015 AAA McKINSTRY EMPLOYMENT & RESUMÉ SERVICES We create resumes for promotions to: Lieutenant, Detective, Sergeant, Captain Deputy Chief and Chief Free Retirement Counseling Police Department Discounts 714.543.9363 1450 N. Tustin Ave., Suite 130 Santa Ana, CA 92705 www.aaamckinstry.com aaamckin@pacbell.net 4 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION PALMAS CUSTOM AUTO WORKS BAUTISTA TRUCKING Casa Serena Apartments 328 & 330 W. Washington Says THANK YOU to the Santa Ana Police Owner R&B Investments Retiree Update SAPDVA Monthly Luncheon 10/14/14 By Gary Labb (12/05 Retiree) I'd like to start this edition by personally thanking John Franks, and the Santa Ana POA, for hosting the October SAPDVA monthly luncheon. Thank you Mark Strohman for putting it all together. Those were some great tacos... A couple of our retirees recently spent some time in the hospital. Both Dick Faust and Ken Hall are now out and about again. I've received contact information from several of the recent retirees, however I know there are quite a few more of you out there who haven't sent me your information yet. Once I receive the information you will be put on our SAPDVA roster and email list. It is also important that anyone who changes their email address needs to contact me with the change. I'm good, but I still haven't gotten my mindreading license yet. If you wish to contact me with your contact information, I can be reached at wsatigary@yahoo.com. Please supply: Last name, First name (spouse /significant other name) badge # Dates of service at Santa Ana PD xx/xx/xx - xx/xx/xx Street address, city, state, zip code home phone cell phone (if you wish) email address With the contact information, you’ll receive the weekly updates, any important information coming up between the updates, as well as the monthly updated roster. The monthly roster is encrypted to prevent it from being opened if your computers or phones are stolen or compromised in any way. We also have a Secret Group Page on Facebook that will not appear to anyone who is not a member. We share information on that Facebook page which currently has 204 members. Come join us for: The SAPDVA Monthly Luncheon, now being held at the Garden Grove Elks Lodge, thanks to Exalted Ruler Randy Eldridge and the man behind the scenes, John Douthit, at 11:30 am on the second Tuesday of the month. The Shark Tank Luncheon, open to retirees and current personnel, as well as their family members, now held at Sammy's Bar & Grill in Anaheim Hills at 11:30 am on the third Tuesday of the month. Our Oggi's in Orange was torn down and Ted Lucas and Mike Gorajewsky had to go out taste testing to locate us a new location. I heard it was a lot of hard work... The SAPDVA Inland Empire Breakfast, held at Hunny's Cafe in Corona at 10:00 am, on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Please join us at one of the upcoming events, whether it's SAPDVA or SAPOA. It's an opportunity to get together with people you probably spent more time with than your own family... Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, -Gary Shark Tank Luncheon 10/21/14 SAPDVA Inland Empire Breakfast 10/28/14 RELIABLE SOURCE 5 6 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION RELIABLE SOURCE 7 My Rambling Thoughts By Steve Hahm Merry Christmas and a happy new year everybody. As always, I want to thank you for your continual support with writing my articles. I want to talk about something different and more serious this time. Christmas is a wonderful time of year. What is Christmas? For kids, it’s about getting lots of presents. Generally, it’s about spending time honored traditions with our family. It’s a time of joy, and giving. For some it may even be time of sadness due to a loss of a loved one during Christmas. Christmas is especially a very important day if you believe in God. As we all know it’s the day the world celebrates the birth of Baby Jesus. It’s about these two last topics I want to talk about. As I write this, it’s Monday Nov 3rd, three days away from my classmate Shaun Diamond’s funeral. As all of you remember, Shaun was the Pomona SWAT officer, who was killed in the line of duty on October 29th. Shaun’s death hit closer to home this time for Sgt. M. Moreno, OT Sanchez, and I because we were all classmates and started our law enforcement career together from LAPD back in 1995. It also hit hard for Joe Marty because I know they also worked together back in Montebello and were close friends. As I process Shaun’s death and with Christmas coming near, I want to share with you what I find to be the most important part of my life. Shaun’s death reminded me of another officer’s death. LAPD Officer Mario Navidad. Mario was killed in the line of duty December 22, 1996 while working Wilshire Division. He was only on the job for 21 months and left behind a wife with a 4 year-old son and a 9 month-old daughter at the time. Mario was my first experience dealing with an officer killed in the line of duty. I was just about to get off probation from Wilshire Division and had known Mario for about a month when he was killed. The night Mario was killed still runs vivid in my mind. Needless to say, my first Christmas as a cop was not a pleasant one, and my heart was broken for Mario’s family. Whether it’s an officer’s death or somebody very close to us, we understand the sadness that death leaves behind. Death is never a convenience, especially when it happens to those who are close to us. If you’re like me, I always test my mortality during someone else’s funeral. I know religion and politics are two taboo subjects, but with Mario and Shaun’s death, it’s a reminder of a reality that ALL of us will face someday. Mario and Shaun were both men of 8 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION faith and trusted in God. With your permission, being that it’s Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, it is this that I would love to share with you. I want to ask you the two most important questions I think anybody can every ask you. Q1: Have you come to a place in your life where you know absolutely for certain that if you were to die today, you would go to heaven? Or, is that something you’re still working on? Q2: Suppose you were to die today and you found yourself standing before God and He asked you, “Why should I let you into My heaven?” What would you say to God? In the Holy Bible, it states that heaven is a free gift from God. A free gift can’t be earned or deserved. If it could, it would no longer be a gift. Heaven is God’s perfect kingdom. God is holy and perfect, and because He is holy, His standard is perfection. The Bible also states that all mankind are sinful, meaning none of us are perfect. Have you met anybody or know anybody who’s absolutely perfect? The Bible states that sin is anything we think, say, and do that displeases God, and no matter how big or small our sin maybe, the penalty for sin is death. Since none of us are perfect we are unable to save ourselves to receive God’s free gift of heaven. Thankfully, God is a loving and merciful God. I’m sure all of us have heard the phrase, “God is love.” Well that’s actually a verse in the Bible (1 John 4:8). However, God is also just, and because He is holy He must punish sin, like loving parents who punish their kids because they love them and know what’s best for them. But because God loves us so much He came down to earth Himself to save us. We know Him as the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The world celebrates Jesus’ birth by celebrating Christmas. Jesus died on the cross, and 3 days later rose from the dead. By doing this, Jesus paid the penalties for our sins once and for all, and purchased a place in heaven for us. The Bible states that we can have God’s free gift of eternal life by confessing our sins to God and by faith accepting Jesus Christ as Lord for who He is and for what He has done for us. True faith in Jesus is not just head knowledge just knowing about Him, nor is it temporary faith only believing in Him during times of trouble. True saving faith is by trusting our life in Jesus and Him alone. God changed my life and still continues to do so, and He gives me hope for my eternity. My hope and prayer is that we would all share this same faith that Mario and Shaun had and that we would all receive this same gift of eternal life in heaven that Mario and Shaun now have. If you have any questions about what I wrote, I would love to talk to you. With the deepest respect, Yard dog Hahm #2775. LAPD Class 8-95 Honors their classmate Shaun Diamond on November 6, 2014. Photo Credit: Spouse of LAPD Classmate. Class 8-95 stands with LAPD Newton Division, where Pomona PD Officer Shaun Diamond was last assigned. Photo Credit: Pasadena Star News SAPD in tight formation at Officer Shaun Diamond’s Funeral Service. RELIABLE SOURCE 9 10 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION RELIABLE SOURCE 11 In honor of Veterans' Day, a few of our finest have submitted their throwback military photos. Can you guess who they are? To all of our veterans, thank you for your service! Answers on Page 16 12 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION ANNEX 2118 S. Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92707 714.210.4330 ANDY HOANG Proudly Supports the Santa Ana Police Officers Association RELIABLE SOURCE 13 14 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION RELIABLE SOURCE 15 DRAFT ANSWER KEY: Throwback Tribute to our Veterans 1. Master Sergeant Joe Castellanos, US Marine Corps, 1986-2006; SAPD 2006-Present 2. Corporal Lorenzo Carrillo, US Marine Corps, 1986-1990; SAPD 1992-Present 3. Master Chief Michael Gonzalez, US Navy, 1984-Present; SAPD 1991-Present 4. Sergeant C.L. Jarusek, US Air Force, 1965-1969 (Airman Basic at Lackland AFB, Texas, 1965); SAPD 1976-2001 5. Marine Malcolm Lowery, British Royal Marines, 1974-1982 (Sir Lowery is being presented with the coveted Green Beret at the completion of Commando Training in 1975); SAPD 1987-2009 6. Staff Sergeant Greg Maciha, US ARMY Reserve, 1979-1991; SAPD 1985-2013 7. 1st. Lieutenant Chip Morin, USMCR, (Camp Reasoner in DaNang, Republic of Vietnam in Oct. 1970. This was the base camp for 1st Recon Battalion, 1st. Marine Division); SAPD 1975-1980 8. Corporal Rick Marckstadt, USMCR, 1985-1993 (1985 MCRD San Diego); SAPD 1989- Present 9. Sergeant Robert Rodriguez, US Marine Corps, 1990-1996; SAPD 2000-Present 10. Petty Officer 2 Class John Kachirisky, US Navy, 1996-2000; SAPD 2008-Present 11. Sergeant Laure Bao, US Marine Corps, 1992-1998 (MASS 6); SAPD 2002-Present 12. Sergeant Steve Hahm, US Marine Corps, 1993-2000 (MASS 6); SAPD 2001-Present 13. Lieutenant Colonel Patty Navarro, US Army Reserve & US Army National Guard, 1983-2011; SAPD 1990-Present nd kenh@hanneganlaw.com 16 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION DETECTIVES AT THE ANGEL GAME RELIABLE SOURCE 17 TIP A COP 2014 Proudly Supports the Santa Ana Police Officers Association 4600 Stellrecht Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 714.898.7557 Officers from the Westside Special Enforcement Team, Detective Fajardo, and several members of our Explorer Post participated in a Tip-A-Cop event that benefited the Special Olympics at our Claim Jumper restaurant on Officers acted as waiters/ Thursday, April 3rd. waitresses and served customers in an effort to earn tips that were donated to the Special Olympics. Over $2,300 dollars were raised. Thanks to everyone involved. 18 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION Field of Dreams By Leonard Correa During my 26 years with the Santa Ana Police Department, I have never witnessed an exodus like the one currently taking place. Though many of our finest are retiring, we are also losing some very talented people to other agencies faster than we can replace them and even had laterals drop in only to say thanks, but no thanks. Santa Ana had always been the premiere agency in Southern California with people pounding on the door to get in, but that no longer seems to be the case. Our field of dreams, one that so many generations worked hard to build, has become a sandlot and I think it’s time we abandon the mentality “if you build it they will come”. Because somewhere along the way, the grounds keepers were laid off and their jobs outsourced, and the number of coaches began to exceed the number of players, leaving us with a field overrun with weeds and players stuck in a time-out because too many coaches are trying to manage the team differently. Santa Ana had a reputation for being a strong and pro-active organization, plus, it was a fun place to work. During the 80’s and 90’s, it seemed that more was being accomplished to squelch crime when people didn’t have to worry about being second guessed or micro-managed. But as the age demographics of the department changed, so did management’s style and philosophy. While many of our leaders looked good on paper, their ascension into the real world has been disappointing. We began to operate more like a corporation focused on legalese and liability, yet the world we operate in doesn’t live by these rules. Somewhere along the way, the focus shifted from doing what it takes to get the job done to, check with your Supervisor, who’ll then check with his or her Supervisor before determining a course of action. Creating more layers of red tape may look good on a resume, but it only hinders our ability to effectively do our job and in the end, produces more followers than leaders. Meanwhile, the good residents of Santa Ana are not happy with the results. As many of our hardest working people gravitate to other agencies, the reaction from our leaders is often one of indifference. The proper response would be to try and understand why people want to leave and then provide a solution that will encourage people to remain. Why go through the time and expense to fill these vacancies when we can keep the people that we have invested so much in? It can be as simple as taking time to listen to the troops, acknowledging the situation and making a commitment to correct our course. After all, when people in the organization are happy, they become our best recruiters. Despite dealing with denials for days off, forced overtime, faltering equipment and frequent oversight, we still have a dedicated group of people who continue show up, put on that uniform and take pride in their work; characteristics no leader should ever fail to acknowledge. It is not my intention to paint with such a broad brush because we still have exceptional leaders who take it upon themselves to give credit where credit is due, but it seems that they are in the minority. I am hopeful that we can get back to where we once were as an organization, but it will require the type of leadership that is less concerned about locker room appearances or seating arrangements and more concerned about morale, team building and the health and well-being of its employees. Otherwise, we will continue to lose great people to other agencies that are providing better compensation packages, a better working environment and a clearer path to a more rewarding future. Wishing all the best to Tony and Adrian as they continue their law enforcement career with Anaheim P. D. RELIABLE SOURCE 19 20 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION Lisa T. Hervatin Attorney at Law Specializing in Workmans Compensation and Personal Injury Law 1532 E. CHESTNUT AVE. SANTA ANA, CA 92701 714.542.7203 Chrislip & Hervatin, LLP 1505 North Broadway Santa Ana, California 92706 (714) 547-0197 fax (714) 547-6374 RELIABLE SOURCE 21 SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION 1607 N. SYCAMORE SANTA ANA, CA 92701 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S.S POSTAGE PAID SANTA ANA CALIFORNIA PERMIT NO. 819