NEWPORT BEACH- Today, the 52nd Annual Police Appreciation Luncheon was held at PENDRY Newport Beach. The event was hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Commodores Club and sponsored by City of Hope Orange County, Redwood West Real Estate, JSX, and Related Companies, L.P. Members of the Police Department were honored at the luncheon, which was also attended by City of Newport Beach staff, elected officials, community leaders, and members of the local business community.
Each year, nominations for the Police Department Awards are collected by committees for each award category. Members of the Police Department who receive award nominations are discussed by those committees and then recommendations are submitted to the chief of police for consideration.
Tthe following members of the Newport Beach Police Department who were honored today.
Matthew Kerman, Alex Maslin and Mayor Joe Stapleton. NBPD
The individuals pictured above were honored as follows:
Officer Zachary Varela (2024 Officer of the Year) was honored for his passion and dedication to the community that he serves. As a motor officer, he is committed to keeping the streets of Newport Beach safe for everyone who uses them.
Sergeant Alex Maslin (2024 Sworn Supervisor of the Year) serves as the Newport Beach Police Department’s recruiter, which gives him a unique role in shaping the future of the NBPD. He is the primary representative of the Police Department for future employees and a mentor to many after they are hired.
Senior Parking Control Officer Matthew Kerman (2024 Civilian Supervisor of the Year) supervises the team of men and women assigned to the NBPD’s Parking Control Unit. He was nominated for his leadership, vision, and ability to carry out practical solutions that benefit the department and community.
IT Analyst David Fattal (2024 Civilian Employee of the Year) has been a valued member of the NBPD since 2005, working in a variety of assignments. In his current role, he supports the people—and the technology—that keep the Police Department running.
Volunteer Joel Gerson (2024 Volunteer of the Year) is winning this award for the second time; he was previously selected for the same honor back in 2011. Even in an exemplary group of NBPD Volunteers in Policing, Joel has stood apart and distinguished himself.
Additional awards were also received:
Award of Merit presented to Detective Cynthia Carter and Detective Daniel Chavez for their efforts in a complex sexual assault investigation.
Award of Merit presented to Sergeant Bill Hume for his dedication to training others on the topics of drug impairment and impaired driving.
Lifesaving Award presented to Sergeant Ricardo Adame, Officer Tony Gallegos, Detective Joshua Granger, Officer Jack McMannis, and Officer Salvador Torres for pulling an unconscious woman from her vehicle, which was partially submerged in the ocean.
Lifesaving Award presented to Officer Kyle Cameron, Officer Michael Querry, Officer Bernadette Sanchez, and Officer Heather Thomson for their roles in saving a man’s life after he was injured in a violent stabbing on the Fourth of July.
Lifesaving Award presented to Officer Ragan Grego, Officer Roberto Salcedo, and Officer Jonathan Sunshine for saving the life of a man who was pulled from the ocean after going into cardiac arrest.
