On the Town: Police luncheon fetes the department’s best

The Burbank Police Foundation, working in conjunction with the Burbank Police Department, presented the inaugural Burbank Police Awards Luncheon at the Airport Marriott this past Thursday.

The event, established to honor and recognize police officers and civilians who have shown exemplary efforts in serving the Burbank community, was emceed by KFI Radio personality Tim Conway Jr. and hosted by former Burbank Mayor Michael Hastings, who serves as the foundation’s president.

“Today, we express our appreciation and give thanks to the many men and women who keep the Burbank Police Department running smoothly — from the officers and management, to the communications operators who handle dispatch, to the secretaries, community service officers, reserve officers, volunteers and many others,” said Hastings during his welcoming remarks. “Their outstanding efforts keep Burbank safe 24/7.”

Along with Vice Mayor Bob Frutos, council members Jess Talamantes and Emily Gabel-Luddy, City Manager Mark Scott, Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse and Fire Chief Tom Lenahan, last week’s event, co-chaired by Chris Welker and Nancy Michael, was attended by representatives of numerous Burbank government, business and nonprofit entities, foundation supporters and family members of the honorees.

The highest honor of the day, the Police Star, awarded for bravery and heroism in the line of duty, was presented to Lt. Jay Hawver, Det. Brent Fekety and Officer Jason Embleton of the Burbank Police Department and Officer Michael Woolner of the Glendale Police Department.

The day’s other top recognition went to Officer Timothy Dyrness, who was named Officer of the Year. A 27-year veteran of the Burbank Police Department who has worked as a motorcycle officer, he has been a leader of the valet/safety program developed for the Burbank Unified School District. He also planned and coordinated the “Every 15 Minutes” event that graphically shows teenagers the danger of cellphone use, texting or drinking while driving.

“Tim holds nothing back when he believes in a program and its purpose,” Hastings said of Dyrness. “Driven to do what is right for the community, and especially for the protection and preservation of our young people, the safety of our residents and the security of our businesses, he charges forward each and every day to excel and deliver on all fronts.”

The foundation and the Burbank Police Department also recognized Crime Analyst Jessica Statland as the Civilian of the Year. Having joined the Burbank Police Department in 2012, she has since expanded the role of her position by conceiving and implementing many imaginative new systems such as the comprehensive crime control report.

Utilizing various databases and analytical techniques, Statland also formulates daily recommended patrol missions to watch commanders for use by uniformed patrol personnel. An advocate of interagency exchanges of information, she works with other city departments to resolve crime-related issues and, last year, was instrumental in providing information that allowed the Burbank Police Department to solve a series of commercial robberies.

She has also introduced the concept of predictive crime analysis that uses historical and contemporary data to predict where crimes may occur.

“Jessica is one of those very rare individuals who thinks outside of the box to expand the reach and accuracy of her duties,” Hastings said. “She needs no motivation because she constantly sets goals, reaches them and then resets them.”

Thursday’s assemblage also saw Elaine Stevens recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for her dedication, willing and helpful spirit, sense of humor and high energy. A volunteer assistant with the city’s film-permit desk, Stevens operates complicated software programs, has covered for the film permit coordinator while she was on vacation and performs numerous duties that free up employees to concentrate on other tasks.

“Elaine reaches above and beyond the job expectations,” Hastings said. “Her passion to expand her role by growing her knowledge by attending outside educational seminars, on her own time, is what makes her a stellar role model and example for others to follow.”

Last week’s event also saw Sgt. Thomas Merich and five Burbank police officers — Jesus Espindola, Ryan Benavidez, Neil Gunn, Cameron Mencuri and Christopher Hemsley — awarded the Police Medal, given to officers who display exceptional tactics and judgment in the line of duty in response to stressful or hazardous situations.

Professional Esteem Awards, given to officers and employees for extraordinary efforts that earn the esteem of fellow co-workers and the public, went to Officer Kristiana Sanchez, Jennifer Hunt, Det. Charles Howell, Det. Brent Dyrness, Sgt. Mitchell Ross, Sgt. Gerardo Mizquez, crime analyst Jessica Statland, Lt. Armen Dermenjian, crime analyst Michele Larson and Lt. J.J. Puglisi.

The event also saw Citizen Awards bestowed to 10 individuals who took the extra step to safeguard their neighborhoods, look out for each other and be the “eyes and ears” of the police: Hector Barrera, Francisco Godinez, Zully Sosa, Louisa Gomez, Giovanni Quiroz, Marcos Huerta, Ira Barseghian, Robin Madrigal and Konrad and Jennifer Lightner.

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DAVID LAURELL may be reached by email at dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.