Policeman, Citizens Honored for Efforts

Ventura Police Cpl. Jerry Thurston on Thursday was named Officer of the Year for his unflagging support of community projects as well as for his outstanding police detective work.

Thurston accepted the award at a special luncheon ceremony held to recognize officers and community volunteers.

Thurston, who has been with the department for 17 years, recently returned to patrol after serving for five years as a detective. There he established himself as an expert in obtaining search warrants on gang members.

He has also participated in a number of community projects including Scared Safe and the Citizens Academy, both crime prevention programs.

“We are just trying to recognize good jobs,” said Marilyn Fink, a member of the department’s recognition committee, which established the award six years ago.

A second award for outstanding volunteer service went to Bob Dressler, who donated more than 350 hours in 1995 to the police storefront on Olive Street near Ventura Avenue.

In addition to the awards, both men received prizes of $140 each.

Two other citizens were honored at the ceremony.

Volunteer Nadine Churchill was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for helping the department’s crime analysis unit update its computer data base on gang members and sexual offenders. And Clyde Heughins was recognized for helping an officer catch a fleeing suspect last month.

Just when the officer was running out of breath, Heughins offered him a ride in his pickup truck. Together, they caught up with and arrested the suspect.