21 Officers Given Distinguished Service Awards

Police Chief Paul M. Walters and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Ana recently presented distinguished service awards to 21 police officers for outstanding performance in solving crimes and saving lives.

Among the officers honored were forensic specialist Magda Perez and records specialist Lisa Melendez. When the county’s worst traffic accident occurred at the corner of Civic Center Drive and Flower Street, the two off-duty officers raced to provide first aid to victims before paramedics arrived and stayed long after to help the rescue efforts, said police spokeswoman Maureen Haacker.

Ron Dryva and Antonio Romero were recognized for their rescue of a 1-year-old baby who had fallen into swimming pool. With cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the pair were able to revive the infant, who was not breathing and had no pulse when they arrived, Haacker said.

For their work in investigating, solving and preventing a wide range of crimes, the following officers also were awarded certificates of distinguished service: Sgt. Gary Sawyer, Sgt. Brian Collins, Cpl. Mike Watson, Cpl. Julian Samora, Cpl. Larry Wiist, investigators Gary Labb and Jeff Van Es, and officers John Crews, Ron Stires, Rick Ashby, Don Stow, Jesus De La Barcena, Bill Sweet, Troy Guidry, James Armstrong, Jay Miller and Mark Strohman.