By Anthony F. Irwin
When a suspect attempted to run from arresting officers, Fullerton resident Kurtis Lucero put himself in harm’s way, “body checking” him and detaining him until officers caught up.
For his courage, he was given a police department Service Award last week, which are presented to community members who put themselves in harm’s way to contribute to the apprehension of a suspect in a serious crime or positively impacts the department in an extraordinary manner.
Lucero’s effort allowed time for Cpl. Jerry Sowards to eventually apprehend the man.
Two groups were awarded a Chief’s Commendation for performing above and beyond their written jobs with demonstrations of the highest stands of police conduct or humanitarianism.
Cpl. Alan Valdiserri, and RSPVs Barbara Giasone and Kathy Katz received the award for their work with then 86-year-old Fullerton resident Harriet Spree.
Ms. Spree’s battle with Leukemia had left her unable to tend to her property, which had overgrown to the point where it presented potential as a fire hazard. Giasone and Katz worked alongside Valdiserri to coordinate a service day, using police explorers, to clean up her property. It occurred June 23rd, 2012. Spree has since passed but was delighted with those efforts: “Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that anyone would do this for me,” she said.
The second group to receive the Chief’s Commendation was Dispatchers Christina North, Amy Nguyen Julie Ruiz, and Officer Mike McCaskill.
The received a call none are truly prepared for: “Shots fired. Officer down. Code 3.”
One St. Patrick’s day, an officer (who requested to remain anonymous) stopped a suspicious vehicle in the area of Woods and Knepp Ave. Before his backup could arrive, the driver leaned out of the window and shot at the officer, striking him once in the chest at point-blank range and three other times in the arms and legs.
With the work of McCaskill, North, Nguyen, and Ruiz, the wounded officer was safely transported to the hospital and the shooter was detained, said Sgt. Jeff Stuart.
FPD’s Medal of Merit – given for extraordinary performance of duties – was awarded to three groups.
For their education of more than 1,000 officers throughout California, dating as far back as 2004, Sgts. Tony Diaz and Tim Petropolous, Cpls. Robert Barnes, Jon Radus, and Officer Eric Franke were recognized with the Department’s Medal of Merit.
Tom Basham and Ed Contreras were honored for their work on a case deemed “cold.” Frank Bartlett Marshall was reported missing in January of 1982 and had never been found.
Nearly 31 years later, through outstanding detective work, David Campbell – a childhood friend of the missing Marshall – was found and charged with special circumstances homicide, making him eligible for the death penalty, police said.
Basham and Contreras’ work gave closure to Marshall’s family decades since their son and brother had gone missing and deserved recognition with the Medal of Merit.
Deacon Jay Bilam was honored with the Medal of Merit for his 12-year tenure with FPD.
In that time, Bilam has spoken at funerals and enjoyed presiding over weddings. He is retiring this year.
The police also honored Irma Ashe, Cpl. John DeCaprio, Jennifer Deich, Sheila Drew-Craig, and Jailer Michael Worley with distinguished service medals.
