Anti-Defamation League honors Laguna officer’s efforts to reduce hate and prejudice
The Anti-Defamation League is honoring a Laguna Beach police officer for his commitment to eliminating hate and prejudice.
The organization named Cpl. Cornelius Ashton as its 2018 recipient of the Helene and Joseph Sherwood Prize for Combating Hate.
Ashton has been instrumental in promoting acceptance and in welcoming diversity throughout Laguna, the city said in a news release.
The award, given to law enforcement professionals since 1996, focuses on activities during the last two years that demonstrate dedication to minimizing the prevalence and severity of hate-motivated behavior, according to the league’s website.
Law enforcement departments in Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties may nominate colleagues.
Award criteria include: Going beyond normal duties to find innovative approaches to enforce or prosecute hate-crime laws and educating people about hate crimes and bias.
A group that includes police chiefs, sheriffs, the Sherwood family and Anti-Defamation League staff members selected Ashton, a San Diego county native who has worked two-and-a-half years with Laguna Beach police.
Ashton has spent 19 years in law enforcement, Laguna Beach Sgt. Jim Cota wrote in an email.
Ashton will be honored at the league’s awards luncheon on March 13.
Twitter: @AldertonBryce
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