GLENDALE : Police Luncheon Honors 12 for Service

Ten Glendale police officers, a reserve officer and a staff secretary were recognized Friday as part of a police appreciation luncheon sponsored for the first time by all of the city’s Kiwanis clubs.

“These officers are receiving these awards for bravery,” Richard Wonser, chairman of this year’s luncheon, said before the ceremony. “In recent past, they all risked their lives to save somebody.”

One recipient was Sgt. Ron Insalaco, who in April climbed onto a seventh-floor ledge at the Glendale Galleria parking lot and rescued a mentally disturbed woman threatening to jump. Insalaco was able to carry on a conversation with the 31-year-old Burbank woman before inching closer to her and pulling her down to safety, police said.

Others recognized for similar heroic acts included: Officers Joe Andrews, Peter Pressnall, Richard Baker, Keith Soboleski and Ben Mihm; Agent Herb Cantwell; sergeants Alan Frazier and Jon Perkins; and Lt. Brad Liston.

Awards for reserve officer of the year and civilian employee of the year went to Robert De Bock and Louise Saiz, respectively.

Each recipient was given a plaque and medallion during the luncheon at Verdugo Club, 400 W. Glenoaks Blvd.

The ceremony had been sponsored by just the Gateway Kiwanis Club over the past five years, Wonser said. This year, all five Kiwanis clubs participated.