Youths Pay Tribute to Police Officer

He walks the streets of La Colonia, working on an individual basis with the kids, many of them in danger of joining gangs. He organizes trips to the Channel Islands and Santa Barbara and has helped organize a trip to Mexico City, which 20 teenagers participated in.

On Friday, the youths paid back Oxnard Police Officer Bob Camarillo with a trophy honoring his police work.

The honor came a day after the Police Department selected him Officer of the Year for his work with the community, particularly in La Colonia where he heads the department’s storefront.

Camarillo, a 19-year veteran of the department, said the award from the group was especially moving to him because he has worked with the youths on a one-on-one basis.

“This was really special because it was so personal,” he said. “This is totally unexpected and it comes from the people in the community.”

Pancho Vega, one of the kids Camarillo has worked with, said the honor is well deserved.

“You can talk to him without any problems,” said Vega, 19. “You can get along with him unlike any other cop.”

Camarillo was joined by his father, Bob Camarillo Sr., and his son Chris Camarillo.

His father, a former Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, said, “I’m real proud of him. It’s tough for these kids.”