Beaumont, CA - On Thursday, October 28, 2021, the Beaumont Police Department held an awards ceremony, recognizing sworn and support staff for valiant efforts within the community for 2020. The awards ceremony was held in the Lodge, at the Four Seasons Community, located at 395 Four Seasons Circle.
The following individuals were recognized during the ceremony:
2020 Explorer of the Year – Jaylene Torres, Beaumont Police Explorer
Volunteer of the Year – Linda Ruoff, Citizen Volunteer Patrol
Civilian Employee of the Year –Christopher Harwood, Animal Control Officer
Dispatcher of the Year –Elizabet Morga, Public Safety Dispatcher II
Police Officer of the Year – Jake Clark, Detective
John Acosta “Commitment to Community” Award – Passionate, kind, hard-working, committed, dedicated, down to earth, approachable, but fair…These descriptions are just a few of the words used to describe Lieutenant John Acosta. “Johnny,” as he was affectionately known in the community, was known to many as someone who cared deeply about Beaumont and its citizens. He gave tirelessly of his time and resources. Ask anyone who knew him and you’ll hear about his ability to connect with others or his passion for police work. Moreover, you’ll hear people say that John was “Committed to his Community”. That commitment is the hallmark of exceptional police work and we gather to recognize those who keep John Acosta’s spirit alive by their “Commitment to Community”.
Awardees: Elizabeth Gibbs, Community Services Director; Nathan Stines, Chief's Advisory Board Member; Kenneth Grimes, Chaplain
Chief’s Commendation –The Chief’s Commendation is awarded to Department and/or community members solely at the discretion of the Chief of Police. This award is presented in recognition of exemplary and/or exceptional service to the Department or community.
Awardees: Brent Conan, Corporal and Reginald Autrey, Corporal
Life Saving Awards – The Life Saving Award is awarded to employees or citizens that give first aid, rescue, or demonstrate other abilities to save an individual that would have likely died if not attended to.
Awardees: Jonhas Perez, Police Officer and Jake Clark, Detective
On October 7, 2020, the Beaumont Police Department received a 911 call of a female not breathing. Officers Clark and Perez arrived at the scene within minutes and observed a female patient unconscious, without a pulse and not breathing. Clark and Perez leapt into action, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. She was transported to a local hospital where she stayed for several weeks. After her recovery, the patient personally called to thank Officers Clark and Perez for saving her life. Clinical Education Specialist, Ryan Holtkamp, with American Medical Response, had this to say about the officers: "Thanks to the officers quick assessment and providing high-quality CPR, the patient made an astounding recovery in this case."
Awardee: Dan Lee, Detective
On August 26, 2020, members of the Multiple Enforcement Team, were assisting another agency with a large-scale drug operation at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Riverside, California. During this operation, Detective Lee observed a young Hispanic female lying face down near one of the entrances of the hotel. Lee Noted the female was unresponsive and foaming near the mouth. He was able to find only a faint pulse in her forearm. Based on Detective Lee's extensive training and experience in the field of narcotics enforcement, he quickly determined the victim was suffering from an opioid overdose. Using his department issued Narcan, Detective Lee administered a single dose, effectively saving her from certain death. Detective Lee stood by with the victim until paramedics arrived and assumed patient care. The fire department credited Detective Lee's quick thinking and his administering Narcan with saving the life of this citizen.
Awardee: David Orendain, Police Officer
On July 7, 2020, Officer David Orendain was dispatched to a call of a hanging. He arrived at the scene to find the subject had been cut down by a family member. Officer Orendain quickly assessed the victim and determined he was not breathing and was absent a pulse. He quickly initiated CPR and continued until medical personnel relieved him. Hospital personnel credited Officer Orendain's quick thinking and life-saving actions with saving the victim from certain death.
Awardee: Randall Marsh, Sergeant
On January 1, 2020, Sergeant Marsh responded to the call of a subject who had overdosed. He arrived to find an eighteen-year-old male unconscious, without a pulse or respirations. Sergeant Marsh jumped into action and began CPR until paramedics arrived 15 minutes later. The patient was subsequently transported to a local area hospital where he made a full recovery. AMR paramedics credited Sergeant Marsh's Actions with saving the life of this young man.
Medal of Merit - The Medal of Merit is awarded to employees who make a significant contribution to the mission of the department beyond the ordinary call of duty. It recognizes those incidents wherein the member's courage, resourcefulness, tenacity, and/or perseverance in the performance of the employee's duties has resulted in the protection of life or property, the prevention of a major crime, or the apprehension of an armed and dangerous criminal.
Awardee: Gregory Adams, Corporal
On November 22, 2020, Officer Adams and his team were dispatched to a report of a subject threatening to jump from the overpass at Interstate 10 and Beaumont Avenue. Police personnel arrived at the scene, but were unable to locate anyone at the location. Moments later, the Beaumont Police Department Dispatch Center took several calls of a subject armed with a knife at Beaumont Avenue and Sixth Street. Corporal Adams arrived at the location and observed a male armed with two knives standing in the intersection. Adams positioned himself behind cover and began attempts to create a dialogue with this individual. Adams engaged the subject for several minutes, attempting to de-escalate the situation and convince the subject to drop the knives. Unfortunately, the assailant charged at the officers which resulted in a lethal force encounter. Corporal Adams swiftly coordinated life saving measures in an attempt to save the man's life but his efforts were unsuccessful. Corporal Adams' bravery and heroism in the face of an imminent threat, coupled with his attempts to save the man who just tried to kill him are in keeping with the highest standards of law enforcement and are a credit to the Beaumont Police Department and our community.
For more information about this event you can contact Marcedes Cashmer, Public Information Officer at 951-769-8500.
