Appreciation in public safety

SOUTHEAST GLENDALE — Several local police officers and firefighters were honored for their distinguished service Thursday evening at an event at the Glendale Masonic Lodge.

The Glendale Masons’ 13th annual award program honors individuals within the police and fire departments who have shown outstanding performance on the job.

The recipients are selected after being first nominated by their peers, then put through a committee for approval, Glendale Police Capt. Kirk Palmer said.

“It’s a good process because it gives unit supervisors the opportunity to recognize good work, and it gives officers a chance to recognize other officers,” he said.

The ongoing successful cooperation between the public safety departments in Glendale emerged as the theme of the ceremony.

“We have tremendous Police and Fire departments and, most importantly, a great working relationship,” Interim Fire Chief Don Biggs said.

And community appreciation sends a positive message to the Police Department, Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams said.

“Year after year the Masons go out of their way to recognize public safety in their community,” Adams said. “I want you to know that we appreciate that recognition.”

Mayor Ara Najarian said Glendale’s strong police and fire departments make the city not only comfortable to residents, but attractive to companies looking for a place to do business.

“It’s clear and honest to say that the . . . quality of our public safety is the foundation upon which our city is built,” he said.

The Glendale Masons hold the annual banquet as a testament to the pivotal role of law enforcement and public safety professionals play in the community, said Joe Ayvazi, chairman of the awards program.

“Most people don’t realize what kinds of sacrifice the police officers and firefighters do for the community and what their families sacrifice for our community,” he said. “But these people are devoted . . . . As far as I’m concerned, it’s a calling.”

Receiving the Distinguished Service Awards for the Glendale Police department were Sgt. Todd Anderson, Officer Scott Holmes, Officer Robert William, Det. Art Frank, Sgt. Pete Pressnall, Officer Josh Luna, Officer Danny Fernandez, Officer Robert Rosas, Sgt. Tigran Topadzhikyan, Det. Craig Tweedy and Officer Christian Hauptmann.

Divisional award winners were Officer Roger Johnstone, Police Communications Officer Kathy Allen and Reserve Officer Bill Torley.

Lt. Don Shade and Sgt. Mario Marchman were awarded the chief’s award of excellence.

The department’s top-scoring shooters were Sgt. Louie Haloulakos, Det. Nick Orloff, Sgt. Mario Marchman and Officer Toby Darby.

The Reserve Police Officer of the Year was Tim Anderson; the Volunteer of the Year was LeRoy Smith; the Civilian Employee of the Year was Administrative Assistant Mariel Estipona and the Officer of the Year was Det. Joe Allen.

For the Fire Department, Firefighter Mark Masto, Engineer Tomas Dyrness and Capt. Douglass Doody received the Distinguished Service Award.

Capt. John Presten and Engineer Brian Julian were awarded the Fire Chief’s Commendation.

Letters of appreciation were awarded to firefighters Jeffrey Rehm and Jeffery Brooks, firefighter paramedics Brian Murphy and Craig Hammond, Capt. and Battalion Chief Gregory Fish and Capt. Douglas Doody.

A vision award was given to retired Fire Chief Chris Gray.