El Cajon Police Department honors its own

Family, friends and the community filled The Ronald Reagan Community Center on Friday night in honor of the team of women and men in blue. Holding its 24th Annual Awards Ceremony, the El Cajon Police Department saluted its own in recognition the best of performance, honor and valor in the line of duty.

Master of Ceremonies Marc Bailey, San Diego 6 News morning broadcaster and ECPD reserve officer since 2009, said working with the ECPD is working with family.

Family, friends and the community filled The Ronald Reagan Community Center on Friday night in honor of the team of women and men in blue. Holding its 24th Annual Awards Ceremony, the El Cajon Police Department saluted its own in recognition the best of performance, honor and valor in the line of duty.

Master of Ceremonies Marc Bailey, San Diego 6 News morning broadcaster and ECPD reserve officer since 2009, said working with the ECPD is working with family.

“I’ll tell you this,” said Bailey. “The second something happens, a swarm of people come to take care of you. It is absolutely amazing.”

Bailey laughed off his own service as a one day a week reservist as a hobby, but said in all seriousness there were no better people to work with and no better leader in the country than Chief of Police Jim Redman.

Redman said the evening was not only in recognition of its officers, but also in recognition of the great work of its many volunteers, community members and citizens of El Cajon.

“Without their help this job would be very tough,” he said. “I believe this teamwork, with the volunteers, police officers and community support; I truly believe that is how we keep crime down in El Cajon.”

Receiving this year’s Lifesaving Award, Officer Jeannine Johns-Davis answered a reported theft and when she arrived, the victim told her assistance was no longer necessary. She recognized the victim was distraught and after questioning found the woman suffered from extreme anxiety and noticed the victim becoming extremely lethargic and pale.

Requesting medics’ response, she discovered the victim had taken almost an entire bottle of prescription medication. Hospital emergency staff reported that the victim’s death would have been imminent if the victim had not received medical treatment. Her immediate and sustained efforts saved this victim’s life.

Awarded the Heartland Lions Reserve Officer of the Year, Reserve Officer Clayton “Bud” Hidden began service with the ECPD in 1988. Representing the Mounted Unit, he is part of equestrian and firearms training and “selflessly donates many hours of his personal time to the citizens of El Cajon and the ECPD to further the department’s vision.”

Rotary Club of El Cajon Officer of the Year awards went to the ECPD Gang Street Team Officers Steve Breakall and Tabitha Latinette. In February 2012, the two produced 20 felony and three misdemeanor arrest, recovered four stolen vehicles, closed two major cases, located two guns and documented a new El Cajon street gang.