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SAN DIEGO COUNTY VEHICLE THEFT 2009 RECOVERY OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS PRESENTATION BRUNCH |
| Sponsored by the San Diego County Auto Theft Advisory
Committee (A.T.A.C.), a partnership between law enforcement, insurance,
and other auto related companies to reduce auto theft. A.T.A.C. is a subcommittee
of the Western States Auto Theft Investigators Association, Southern Chapter.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:30 a.m. - The Prado at Balboa Park |
Those participating included:
The colors were presented by the San Diego Police Department Color Guard. ATAC Chairperson CHP Border Division Lieutenant Matt Guthrie led the Pledge of Allegiance. Lieutenant Guthrie then introduced CHP Border Division Assistant Chief Steve Beeuwsaert who gave the invocation. Lieutenant Guthrie then explained that ATAC was a subcommittee of the Western States Auto Theft Investigators (WSATI) Association, allowing ATAC to provide donors with the benefits of a tax free organization. Lieutenant Guthrie then introduced and thanked the San Diego County Auto Theft Advisory Committee members who put together the awards presentation; Ms. Martha Jones Joseph and Ms. Geraldine Gary of the Automobile Club of Southern California; Ms. Brandi Wade, and Ms. Tiffany Jones of the California Highway Patrol. Lieutenant Guthrie then thanked the sponsors of this year's awards presentation, the Automobile Club of Southern California, C & D Towing, LoJack Corporation, and the New Car Dealer’s Association of San Diego. Lieutenant Guthrie then wanted to thank all the ATAC members who volunteer their time each year. Lieutenant Guthrie then thanked the individuals and companies for their support over the past 20 years. Guest speakers have included Bonnie Dumanis, Sandy Vinge, Roger Hedgecock, the President of the Auto Club of Southern California, the President of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and many Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs from agencies around the county. Beginning in 1990, ATAC has recognized over 600 officers. Through the diligent efforts these officers have recovered over $60,000,000.00 in stolen vehicles and arrested more than 4500 suspects. ATAC would not be able to recognize the hard work these officers do everyday if it was not for these individuals and companies. Not only have they donated money, but they have also donated a lot of time and effort to make sure this event remains a priority in San Diego County each year. Lieutenant Guthrie then called the following people forward to receive a special recognition award from ATAC: Daniel Brogdon
with the Auto Club of Southern California
Lieutenant Guthrie then introduced the Mistress of Ceremonies, Monica Zech, Public Information Officer for the City of El Cajon. Ms. Zech has graciously emceed the event 18 out of the 20 years and has become an integral part of the ATAC Committee. She has been with the City of El Cajon for almost nine years. Prior to that she was a TV, and radio journalist for some 30 years before she made the switch to El Cajon. Her passion is her role as a Safety Educator. Her expertise is “driving Safety”, speaking to students, civic groups, company conferences and military bases. Ms. Zech gave an opening address and spoke about this year's selection process. Ms. Zech said that significant pro-active contributions by officers to reduce auto theft, combined with a higher emphasis on "rolling stolens" and significant case highlights were the elements of the criteria to be considered. Ms. Zech welcomed everyone to avail themselves of the brunch. After the buffet, Monica Zech then introduced the guest speaker, CHP Border Division Chief Gary Dominguez. Monica Zech then announced the recipients as Lieutenant Matt Guthrie, with Brandi Wade, and Tiffany Jones assisting, handed out the numerous award plaques and recognition certificates to each of the recipients. This year's recipients are (alphabetically):
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| Deputy Robert Adler | San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Vista Substation |
| Officer Dannie Bihum *4 | San Diego Police Department, Eastern Division |
| Officer Steven Breakall | El Cajon Police Department |
| Officer Levar Brown | Chula Vista Police Department |
| Officer Derek Cox | La Mesa Police Department |
| Deputy Eric Drogemuller *3 | San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Alpine Substation |
| Officer Rodney Fischer *2 | San Diego Police Department, Traffic Division |
| Officer James Ford *3 | San Diego Department, Southeastern Division |
| Officer Mark Hallmark *2 | California Highway Patrol, El Cajon Area |
| Officer William Havens *3 | Escondido Police Department |
| Deputy Thomas Hendricks | San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Marcos Substation |
| Officer Jason Howard | California Highway Patrol, Oceanside Area |
| Deputy Shannon Justice | San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Lemon Grove Substation |
| Officer Nic Ketchum | San Diego Police Department, Western Division |
| Deputy Benjamin Macbeth | San Diego County Sheriff’s, Encinitas Subtation |
| Deputy Fred Magana | San Diego County Sheriff’s, Poway Substation |
| Deputy Christopher Manookian *2 | San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Imperial Beach Substation |
| Officer Sze Map | San Diego Police Department, Northeastern Division |
| Deputy Asami Minami | San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Fallbrook Substation |
| Officer Radford Pajita | San Diego Police Department, Central Division |
| Officer Michael Roberts *9 | Oceanside Police Department |
| Officer Chad Sample | National City Police Department |
| Officer Patrick Shadoan *2 | San Diego Police Department, Southern Division |
| Officer Joey Tanglao | Coronado Police Department |
| Officer Albert Udan | California Highway Patrol, San Diego Area |
| Deputy Jason Ward | San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Ramona Substation |
| Deputy Shawn Wray *2 | San Diego County Sheriffs Department, Santee Substation |
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| In 2009, these 27 officers, representing almost every
law enforcement agency in San Diego County, arrested a total of 139
vehicle theft suspects and recovered 575 vehicles
with a total recovery value of $2,916,869.00.
The Top Five Honorees and Honorable Mention Recipient were: Officer Patrick Shadoan of the San Diego Police Department, Southern Division, was honored as the Officer recovering the most stolen vehicles in the entire county, 90 vehicles, including 12 "rolling stolens," resulting in 15 arrests, with a recovery value of $400,000.00. This is Officer Shadoan's second ATAC Award, and his second year as the Top Officer in San Diego County. Officer Shadoan has been with the San Diego Police Department 4-1/2 years. Captain Albert Guaderrama, San Diego Police Department, accepted the ATAC Perpetual Plaque which will remain at the department for the next year. Officer Steven Breakall of the El Cajon Police Department, was honored as the Officer recovering the second most stolen vehicles in the county, 67 vehicles, including 14 "rolling stolens," resulting in 14 arrests, with a recovery value of $342,400.00. This is his first nomination for an ATAC Award. Deputy Shawn Wray of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Santee Station, was honored as the Officer recovering the third most stolen vehicles in the county, 20 vehicles, including 13 "rolling stolens," resulting in 14 arrests, with a recovery value of $70,600.00. This is his second nomination for an ATAC Award. Officer James Ford of the San Diego Police Department, Southeastern Division, was honored as the Officer recovering the fourth most stolenvehicles in the county, 94 vehicles, including 5 "rolling stolens," resulting in 5 arrests, with a recovery value of $500,000.00. This is his 3rd nomination for an ATAC Award. Officer Derek Cox of the La Mesa Department, was honored as the Officer recovering the fifth most stolen vehicles in the county, 16 vehicles, including 10 "rolling stolens," resulting in 11 arrests, with a recovery value of $219,535.00. This is his first nomination for an ATAC Award. Deputy Thomas Hendricks, San Diego County Sheriff's Department, San Marcos Substation, was presented an Honorable Mention Award by ATAC. He was recognized for his initiative, investigative ability, and relentless dedication to apprehending auto thieves. This is his first nomination for an ATAC Award. Special thanks to the following organizations for participating and sponsoring the San Diego County Auto Theft Advisory Committee (A.T.A.C.) and its Officer of the Year Program. |
| Automobile Club of Southern California | California Highway Patrol |
| LoJack Corporation | New Car Dealers Association of San Diego |
| San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force | San Diego Police Department |
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