VENTURA : Police Officers Win Annual Awards

Officer Ross Nideffer has been with the Ventura Police Department’s DARE unit for less than 18 months, but he is already making an impact.

With his affable demeanor and a recently acquired teaching tool--an aerodynamic van replete with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment--Nideffer has the youngsters rapping to a beat that dispels stereotypical attitudes about the police.

Nideffer was among several Police Department employees and citizens who were honored Thursday for their contributions to the safety of the community at the third annual Ventura Police Department Recognition Awards.

Praised for his creative presentations, such as the use of rap lyrics during his talks with middle-school youths as part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, Nideffer received the Incentive Award for outstanding performance and a $50 check from Chief Richard Thomas.

“I’ve been kicked and spat on” by criminals, said Nideffer, a 10-year veteran. “But the kids always smile at me.”

By talking very little about drugs and a lot about life skills, Nideffer said he tries hard to instill the idea that policing is not just about putting people in jail.

“Our role is changing,” he said. “We have to become more socially conscious.”

Officer James Brittle received the Right Stuff Award for his role in warning guests at a local hotel about a fast-spreading fire in early February. Told by a guest that there might be a person trapped in the burning Mission Hotel on South Oak Street, Brittle not only searched for the occupant, but he also went through the smoke-filled hallways warning other guests of the impending danger.

Several other presentations were handed out during the potluck event in the packed training room at the department headquarters.

The Officer of the Year Award was given to 25-year veteran Cpl. Russ Hayes, who worked for most of his career as a detective and is now assigned to administration.

Sgt. Ted Prell, who has worked with the Ventura Police Department for 23 years, received the Dave Heins Award as supervisor of the year.

Police Service Officer Elisa Purnell, who has been with the department 15 years, received the Support Employee of the Year Award.