2021 - 2010
2021
2021 Individual Achievement
Winner: Jorge Ramirez
Jorge began his law enforcement career with the Hollister Police Department spending 14 years before becoming employed with the Monterey County District Attorney’s office. In June, next month, Jorge will be celebrating his 25th year in Law Enforcement.
In addition to his primary duties in the position of Investigative Captain with the District Attorney’s Office, Jorge instructs of a wide variety of courses throughout the county and also for the California District Attorney Investigator’s Association Trial Prep course. Jorge is also an instructor at South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium.
AB 2504 took effect January 1, 2019, and was codified as Penal Code Section 13519.41. The new section mandated the Commission on POST to develop and implement a course of training regarding sexual orientation and gender identity minority groups in this state. Jorge immediately signed up for the train the trainer course. Jorge, having an LGBTQ daughter, realized as a parent he sometimes failed. To date, Jorge has put on approximately 25 classes across Northern California, training over 500 law enforcement professionals and over 1000 members of the public. Due to this work, Jorge received the Innovation in Training award from the California District Attorneys Association.
Mr. Ramirez was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 26, 2022.
2021 Organizational Achievement
Winner: California Department of Insurance, Enforcement Branch Training Headquarters Unit
The Enforcement Branch Training Unit established a phenomenal training program that has positively impacted the cultural and performance standards for the Enforcement Branch. In the past year, the Training Unit has rebuilt and launched a Field Training Officer (FTO) Program tailored to an investigatory agency. The Training Unit also developed a proprietary software package utilizing a custom database to track all FTO related documents. This dramatically increased transparency throughout the entire FTO process and allowed trainers and trainees to identify areas of improvement early in the probation period. The Training Unit also created an in-house FTO Development Course that focuses on objective and uniform training practices. The development course has greatly increased the quality and consistency of training new Detectives and Investigators throughout all regional offices in the State of California.
The Training Unit has adapted and expanded their three-week Basic Investigator Course to meet the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. This included pivoting to a fully virtual training course which leveraged telecommuting technology to offer a dynamic and engaging training atmosphere.
The Training Unit has also opened courses to outside agencies to promote cooperation and to set the standard for insurance fraud investigations.
The Enforcement Branch Training Unit was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 26, 2022
2021 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Mike Galli
Mike is a Deputy District Attorney and has been teaching to a law enforcement audience since 1985. He specializes in Search Warrants, Search and Seizures, Asset Forfeiture, Criminal Case Filing, and Law Enforcement-Prosecutor Relations. Additionally, he volunteers his time on numerous occasions per year providing instruction to various law enforcement agencies throughout Northern California, the California Narcotic Officers’ Association, and the California District Attorneys Association.
Over the last two years, Mr. Galli has both directly and indirectly assisted POST in various curriculum development projects for POST’s ICI Core Course, and the Major Drug Investigations Course. His efforts have assisted POST in their efforts to update curriculum, and enhance the quality, content, and professionalism via detailed training courses to law enforcement.
Mr. Galli has directly trained over 5,000 law enforcement officers over the course of his selfless efforts of nearly 40 years. Finally, Mr. Galli took it upon himself to fully research, write, and publish the most current California Search Warrant Manual, updating this manual every 18 months at his own expense!
Mr. Galli was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 26, 2022.
2020
2020 Individual Achievement
Winner: Steve Gregory
One of the most challenging tasks for any law enforcement agency is learning how to properly convey information to the media. This is particularly difficult as law enforcement must balance the constitutional rights afforded by the First Amendment to keep the communities they serve properly informed, with the need to maintain necessary confidentiality in order avoid compromising investigations.
Steve Gregory is a professional journalist who has taken the initiative to provide exceptional instruction to law enforcement, with the goal of increasing the collaboration between police and the media to further enhance transparency, thus helping to ensure better communications and better customer service for the communities law enforcement serves. His relationship with law enforcement began due to a strained relationship between law enforcement and the press many years ago, and despite the challenges, Steve took this opportunity to foster change.
His effort and work since then have made a tremendous positive impact.
Steve has trained countless law enforcement professionals who have used his media relations skills and techniques to build a collaborative relationship of trust and respect with the media and public, which is a fundamental cornerstone of effective policing and public safety. His outreach and guidance to law enforcement have proved to be invaluable, as the profession endeavors to continually improve its service to the community. Accordingly, Steve has become an asset to law enforcement and the communities they serve, and a catalyst for improved communications.
As a distinguished leader in the training of law enforcement officers for California, POST is proud to recognize Steve Gregory for his remarkable achievement and contribution to the law enforcement profession.
This award will be presented to Steve Gregory in a ceremony at a future Commission meeting.
2020 Organizational Achievement
Winner: California Highway Patrol
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is recognized across California and nationwide for excellence in its service, and it continues to serve as a model for leadership in law enforcement training.
Recognizing the critical need for leadership training at the sergeant level, the CHP created its own unique program to further enhance the skills for first-line sworn supervisors. As many experts will attest, the role of sergeant is perhaps the most influential position in any law enforcement organization, as those individuals have direct influence with line-level personnel as well as communications with upper-level command staff.
The CHP created a Sergeant's Leadership Forum, which is a unique 36-hour course designed to better the supervisory skills for those men and women in the critical position of sergeant. It provides additional training beyond basic supervisory skills, as applicants must have at least three years of experience as a sergeant to attend.
This dedication to enhancing the leadership capability of first-level supervisors is a remarkable achievement and attestation of the commitment the CHP has made to development of its leaders. Further, the CHP intends to share the materials developed in the course through a Train-the-Trainer course to benefit other agencies across California.
POST is proud to recognize the California Highway Patrol for its remarkable achievement and contribution to the law enforcement profession.
This award will be presented to the CHP in a ceremony at a future Commission meeting.
2020 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Bruce Praet
The job of today’s law enforcement officer is extremely complex and challenging. With ever-changing statutes and case law it is of paramount importance for law enforcement officers to be abreast of current law, as well as with emerging trends to help them better serve their communities while also properly enforcing the law. This can be tremendously difficult if it were not for legal experts and instructors such as Bruce Praet.
Bruce is a well-respected attorney who specializes in law enforcement matters, who a has a background and history that enhances his ability to serve law enforcement. He started his career as a California peace officer, and therefore has a perspective that affords him greater insight and a level of appreciation for the challenges law enforcement officers face. This background certainly has helped him develop that unique ability to take extremely complex legal matters and explain how they can be applied in a real-world operational setting.
He is a well-recognized expert in many facets of criminal justice and has a passion for training law enforcement officers. He is an excellent instructor who has trained countless officers, ranging from line staff to the highest levels of command and leadership, many of whom have personally benefitted from his sage counsel and advice. His training has not only bettered the working conditions for California law enforcement officers but has also enhanced their ability to better serve their communities as well.
As a distinguished leader in the training of law enforcement officers for California, POST is proud to recognize Bruce Praet for remarkable achievement and contribution to the law enforcement profession.
This award will be presented to Bruce Praet in a ceremony at a future Commission meeting.
2019
2019 Individual Achievement
Winner: Corporal Ralph Knecht, Sacramento Police Department
The training of California peace officers is extraordinarily complicated and challenging. The curriculum is tremendously demanding, and finding qualified applicants is equally formidable as well. The success of students in the Academy is not only a matter of molding the best possible future peace officers, but it is an investment as well for the hiring jurisdiction. Once students enter into the Basic Academy, they encounter a program with difficult curriculum and significantly higher passing standards than most other programs, which is designed to help ensure they have the necessary skills to succeed in one of society's most challenging professions.
In order to address the concern with some students' inability to pass the Sacramento Police Department Academy, Corporal Ralph Knecht designed and implemented a Pre-Academy training program. The results of this endeavor were quite substantial. After implementation of the Pre-Academy training program, the student attrition rate decreased significantly. Concepts in the Pre-Academy program include critical areas such as emergency vehicle operations, firearms, final scenarios and resignations often attributed to self-induced stress, time-management deficiencies, as well as command presence and resiliency.
The results of Corporal Knecht's Pre-Academy Program have been remarkable. His efforts have not only increased the return on investment for the City of Sacramento, but more importantly have helped the Sacramento Police Department ensure the best level of training and future performance for the next generation of leaders in California law enforcement.
As a distinguished leader in the training of law enforcement officers for California, POST is proud to recognize Corporal Ralph Knecht for his remarkable achievement and contribution to the law enforcement profession.
2019 Organizational Achievement
Winner: Golden West College Regional Criminal Justice Training Center (RCJTC)
Golden West College Regional Criminal Justice Training Center (RCJTC) has been training California law enforcement personnel since 1960. In that time, RCJTC has demonstrated itself to be a leader in law enforcement training, with significant examples of excellence and innovation in both pre-service and in-service endeavors, and below are just a few of its noteworthy contributions.
As a well-respected Basic Training Academy, many agencies within the southern California region specifically select RCJTC as their primary provider for the training of entry-level law enforcement officers, as the quality of graduates and future performance as peace officers is highly regarded. RCJTC is also the sole provider of the Specialized Investigators Basic Course, which is a unique derivative of the Academy specifically designed for the many agencies in California that specialize in investigative matters. And, as a community college RCJTC also has created a pathway to higher academic achievement by providing students with transferable college credits, thus increasing the capacity for development in the law enforcement profession, as well as an increased opportunity for personal growth.
One of the most notable endeavors of RCJTC is its commitment to leadership, ethics, and community policing, which it started many years ago. These programs promote the study and research of principled leadership, ethics, and community engagement to not only teach the skills, but to guide students toward an increased commitment to the core values of the profession and embracement of the highest degree of character to best serve the interests of the communities they will serve.
The RCJTC staff continually demonstrate a selfless dedication to the law enforcement profession, for the sole purpose of ensuring California has the best trained peace officers serving its communities. This is evidenced by the RCJTC's willingness to work with POST to address training challenges in the state, even when it requires additional work and effort by its staff.
As a distinguished leader in the training of law enforcement officers for California, POST is proud to recognize the Golden West College Regional Criminal Justice Training Center for its significant history of remarkable achievement and contribution to the law enforcement profession.
2019 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: N/A
2018
2018 Individual Achievement
Winner: Captain Scott Meadors, Stockton Police Department
Captain Scott Meadors is a veteran of the Stockton Police Department, and has a variety of experience in assignments and as a law enforcement trainer, including teaching in the Basic Academy. When the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, in collaboration with the California Department of Justice, initiated the process to create a procedural justice training program, Scott was one of the first to serve as a facilitator. Scott has that unique ability to convey information, challenge assumptions and foster productive discussions, while teaching veteran law enforcement officers those critical skills they need to serve their communities.
It is this type of instructional leadership, demonstrated by Scott, that is critically needed to change the landscape of law enforcement relations with California’s communities. Unlike conventional law enforcement training programs, this topic was unique in that it presented challenges that required exceptional creativity and the professional confidence possessed only by those with a willingness to foster change, and Scott Meadors’ leadership helped with the success of this endeavor.
Captain Meadors was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 30, 2019.
2018 Organizational Achievement
Winner: Visalia Police Department (Crisis Intervention Training)
The Visalia Police Department developed a program to train officers how de-escalate situations with the potential to turn violent, and re-direct the event into a peaceful resolution, particularly with individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. This endeavor is not just a training course, but a collaborative venture between law enforcement and the Tulare County Health and Human Services Department. This program has trained numerous first responders and has blossomed into a relationship that now includes crisis workers riding along with Visalia police officers to provide counseling and outreach. This creative and collaborative program not only saves lives by reducing the likelihood of a use-of-force encounter, but serves to reduce the personal trauma and inevitable emotional devastation an officer will encounter after having been compelled to use force in the line of duty.
The Visalia Police Department was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 30, 2019. Accepting this award on behalf of the organization was Chief Jason Salazar.
2018 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Captain John Whitney, Vallejo Police Department
During the course of his service to the city of Vallejo, Captain John Whitney has taken lead with respect to all aspects of training new officers, as well as those who have advanced in their careers. He’s been an active training manager as well as an instructor with the Napa Valley College for years and has worked tirelessly to ensure quality training is available to members not only of his agency, but to the entire region.
From the nomination package it is clear that John’s commitment to the profession and his chosen calling will leave a lasting legacy, reflecting his lifetime achievement in this profession and his resolve to serve others. It is this type of remarkable leadership, reinforced by a selfless dedication, not only to the profession, but to the men and women who serve the law enforcement mission, that paves the way for the future generations of law enforcement leaders.
Captain Whitney was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on May 30, 2019.
2017
2017 Individual Achievement
Winner: Matthew O'Deane, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Matthew O’Deane from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office received this award for his remarkable career in the law enforcement profession, and as a trainer.As a Commander in the District Attorney’s Office, he not only serves as a leader in his agency, but has taken the initiative to develop and present training to agencies throughout the region.His contributions include the instruction of in-service courses for law enforcement, as well as service as an academy instructor.He also created an intensive 3-week program for the development of law enforcement leaders in the San Diego region, that offers joint training for police leaders to not only increase individual effectiveness, but also serve as a catalyst for increased cooperative relationships between agencies.
Matthew received this prestigious award at a Supervisory Leadership Institute graduation ceremony.
2017 Organizational Achievement
Winner: San Jose Police Department
The San Jose Police Department created a Force Options Simulator Instructor School, that teaches law enforcement instructors across the state how to best train peace officers how to make split second use-of-force decisions, with a strong emphasis on alternative means to incident resolution. The program addresses the extremely complicated and ever-changing legal issues surrounding use-of-force, and also delves further into mitigation of potentially volatile situations, focusing on pre-incident planning. These techniques, which have been taught to CA law enforcement for many years, are often referred to as “de-escalation.”
The goal of the program is to help officers make better decisions as they encounter tremendously complex legal scenarios that often must be addressed instantaneously, so that they may optimally serve and protect their respective communities.
The San Jose Police Department was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on June 21, 2018. Accepting this award on behalf of the organization was Officer Ted Davis, Sergeant Jacob Morris, and Lieutenant Stan McFadden.
2017 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Shelley Spilberg, Retired
Dr. Shelley Spilberg is a veteran POST employee, who recently retired after many years of dedicated service to the law enforcement profession. She has been a trailblazer in California law enforcement, as an industry leader in creating standards that ensure the best candidates are selected for critical public safety positions, in a manner that complies with extremely complicated federal and state law.The standards created with Shelley’s guidance have helped law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve get the best personnel.
To the law enforcement community, she is a renowned expert in hiring and appointment mandates for California law enforcement, which has perhaps the most stringent qualifications for peace officers and dispatchers. As an employee of POST, she has not only been a co-worker, but a mentor, friend, and trusted colleague, leaving a lasting legacy for POST and the California law enforcement community for many years to come.
Shelley Spilberg was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on June 21, 2018.
2016
2016 Individual Achievement
Winner: Sergeant Casey Bokavich, Redding Police Department
Sergeant Casey Bokavich is a 27-year veteran law enforcement officer, is the department training manager and supervisor of the force options team, and supervisor of the defensive tactics program at the Butte College Police Academy. Sergeant Bokavich was nominated for his work delivering Force Options training to the local community.
As a result of his effort, the Redding Police Department has been able to facilitate ongoing dialogue between the community and law enforcement with respect to Use-of-Force and decision-making, which is a tremendously critical challenge, as well as an opportunity for law enforcement.
Sergeant Bokavich’s work and leadership has fostered a climate of collaboration between law enforcement and the public. Many members of his community have a newfound respect and understanding for the law enforcement profession, as well as an appreciation for the challenges peace officers face on a day-to-day basis.
This outreach by Sergeant Bokavich has been instrumental in increasing the positive level of collaboration and dialogue between law-enforcement and community leaders. His impact on community relations and law enforcement has been recognized by agencies, not only in the region and California, but throughout the United States.
Sergeant Bokavich was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on June 26, 2017.
2016 Organizational Achievement
Winner: California Highway Patrol
Recognizing the critical investment in basic training that is the foundation of every law enforcement agency, the California Highway Patrol took the initiative to incorporate a new and creative process at its academy. This new process not only emphasizes the importance of public service, but also reinforces the importance of lifelong wellness as a component of service delivery to the community those officers will eventually serve.
The CHP refers to this endeavor has Stress Resiliency, and has incorporated it into the academy to better prepare its cadets for the challenges they will face, not only in the Basic Academy, but throughout the field training program and the remainder of their careers. At the heart of this process is the commitment of the organization and academy staff to emphasize the Nobility of Policing.
The CHP Academy has found this to be a very critical crossroad in the career of the students. It has reduced the failure rate of cadets, and it has helped create an emotional connection between the students, Academy staff and their future profession, as well as the teamwork construct that is so critical to law enforcement operations.
The CHP was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on June 26, 2017. Representing the CHP, and accepting this award on behalf of the organization was Commissioner Joe Farrow.
2016 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Gordon Sievert, Retired
Gordon Sievert is a 37-year law enforcement veteran from the San Mateo Police Department, who has dedicated himself to service to others as they enter one of society’s most challenging and dangerous professions.
Gordon became involved in training law enforcement officers early in his career and has taught a vast array of topics from report writing, to firearms and defensive tactics, to racial profiling, and many other disciplines in-between.
He also serves as a Subject Matter Expert for POST, helping to research emerging training needs and develop contemporary law enforcement training curriculum.
His most remarkable contribution is his service to the next generation of law enforcement officers, who have inherited the mantle of public safety for all of us. Conservatively, it is estimated he has trained over 600 new law enforcement officers, as a longtime training coordinator for the South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium. On any given day Gordon's protégé's are likely protecting the streets of our communities a very remarkable accomplishment and legacy to honor.
Gordon Sievert was presented this prestigious award in a ceremony at POST headquarters on June 26, 2017.
2015
2015 Individual Achievement
Winner: Deputy Anthony A. Moore, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Deputy Anthony Moore is an 18 year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He's served in several assignments including the Information Bureau and currently in the Criminal Intelligence Bureau. Deputy Moore is a recognized expert on social media investigations, crypto-currency, and emerging internet trends. With this knowledge he has shown members of law enforcement a better way to conduct investigations on cyber and social media related crimes. Deputy Moore's training allowed the Sheriff's Department to develop a social media monitoring program which was an important part of the department's strategy during protests related to Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Los Angeles, and he received the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Exemplary Service award for this endeavor.Deputy Moore conducts extensive training and has lectured and been on panels at numerous conferences. His training has been directly related to an increase in the rate of successful prosecutions of social media and cyber related crime.
Runner-up: Sergeant Theresa Dawson, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
2015 Organizational Achievement
Winner: Orange Police Department, Mental Health Program In 2008 in an effort to find a better way to serve persons with mental illness, members the Orange Police Department staff joined the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Association of Orange County. By 2009 the Orange Police Department began to co-host the annual "Meeting of the Minds" Conference that brings medical and mental health professionals together with community groups and law enforcement to participate in dynamic training. Their efforts led to the development of a video training suite that enhance officers' skills in responding to and de-escalating these contacts. In June 2013 the Orange Police Department formed the Homeless, Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team (HEART) to serve the City of Orange. HEART was developed and implemented to provide long-term, innovative strategies for responding to transient related calls. Utilizing HEART officers on calls involving the homeless population and individuals with mental illness, has eased the demand on patrol resources. The partnership with Mental Health Association of Orange County has resulted in the assignment of licensed clinicians to ride along with HEART officers on patrol. Partnering with St. Joseph Hospital Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health medical staff, the Orange Police Department developed lesson plans for a 24-hour training series for all Orange police officers. The Orange Police Department has received widespread recognition for their mental health training videos, and continues to receive requests for their videos and mental health curriculum. HEART has been widely recognized as a successful model that has directly lead to more compassionate and comprehensive assistance to this special population. Representing and accepting the award for the Orange Police Department was Retired Chief Robert Gustafson and Chief Tom Kisela.
Runner-up: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Training Bureau/Video Production Unit, Surviving an Active Shooter.
2015 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Mildred K. O'Linn, Partner, Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester, LLP Ms. O'Linn has an unparalleled background as an attorney and technical expert in law enforcement civil liability, and peace officer training and tactics. For eight years she was a peace officer at Kent State University Police Department, and became a trainer for basic and in-service officers in self-defense, PR-24 and baton, TASER, physical fitness and use of force. As a recognized expert in the use of force, Ms. O'Linn has been an expert witness in civil litigation and has been called upon by numerous agencies across the country to serve as a consultant on police training issues, procedure and policy formulation, and to review high profile incidents. Ms. O'Linn has received numerous awards and recognition and has dedicated a lifetime promoting the professionalism of law enforcement is an understatement. Her work over the past several years has directly improved the safety of peace officers in California and nationally, and has been the catalyst of improving the relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
Runner-up: William W. Bedsworth, Associate Justice, California courts, 4th District Court of Appeal
2014
2014 Individual Achievement
Winner: Training Officer Wynn Mooney, Fresno Police Department is the winner of the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement.
Training Officer Wynn Mooney is an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) instructor and trainer for the Fresno Police Department's Regional Training Center. Officer Mooney is also an instructor for the Fresno City College Regional Training Center Police Academy and the College of the Sequoias Police Academy. He is responsible for course instruction in all learning domains and practical exercises related to driver training. He helped with the design and the development of the current driving course for both academies which uses the Fresno Police Department Regional Training Center's track and driver awareness area. Officer Mooney has been training officers for over 20 years and is a well respected and knowledgeable instructor for the Fresno Police Department. He provides training for over 85 agencies, yearly. As a result of Officer Mooney's innovative training, agencies that have been trained by Officer Mooney have experienced reduced injuries and liability costs related to traffic collisions.
Runner-up: Sergeant Don Hudalla, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is the runner-up for the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement.
2014 Organizational Achievement
Winner: Museum of Tolerance, Tool for Tolerance® for Law Enforcement Program is the winner of the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
The Tool for Tolerance® for Law Enforcement (TFTLE) Program is designed to equip law enforcement professionals with tools to deliver an effective level of service to their communities.TFTLE developed a unique emotive and cognitive approach by using cutting-edge technologies to augment traditional teaching methods.The state-of-the-art exhibitory nature of the Museum of Tolerance (MOT) engages participants in an in-depth exploration of the process of dehumanization during the Holocaust and other genocides, and an examination of historical and contemporary examples of intolerance, including hate vs. free speech, Civil Rights Movement, exploitation of women and children, and the plight of refugees.An anonymous voting mechanism allows participants to register honest opinions as a springboard for probing discussion. By utilizing a variety of learning methods including interactive technology, personal testimonies, and group discussion, TFTLE provides an educational experience that engages students on many levels.The program is inclusive and is geared toward uniformed and civilian personnel at every level (e.g., from recruits to Chief).Participants examine the process of building trust and respect and enhance their critical thinking skills in the areas of diversity, ethics, and values.
Representing and accepting the award for the Museum of Tolerance, Tool for Tolerance® for Law Enforcement Program was Director Mark Katrikh.
Runner-up : San Diego Police Department, Wellness Unit is the runner-up for the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
2014 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Retired Director Gregory T. Dossey, Allan Hancock Police Academy and Retired Sergeant, Los Angeles Police Department is the winner of the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Gregory T. Dossey is recognized around the world for his development of the Los Angeles Police Department Arrest and Control Course. As an arrest and control expert, Mr. Dossey used his education in the field of physiology and developed a program that is innovative and unique. The program has impacted law enforcement officers and set standards for all officers hired and trained at LAPD. His work with POST, as a subject matter expert, has had a significant impact in physical fitness and arrest and control training. His training programs have also increased the level of professionalism and reduced injuries. Mr. Dossey is a past president of the California Academy Directors Association and was a long serving member of POST's Instructor Standards Advisory Council. He has had a major impact on self defense training for law enforcement officers on local, state, and worldwide levels. Mr. Dossey focused on physical fitness training as "lifetime fitness" and "walked the talk" as an example to the many recruits he has trained, throughout his career.
Runner-up: Assistant Chief Sandy Jo MacArthur, Los Angeles Police Department is the runner-up for the 2014 POST Excellence in Training Award for Lifetime Achievement.
2013
2013 Individual Achievement
Winner: Detective Edward M. Nordskog has been assigned to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson/Explosives details for the past 16 years.
Detective Nordskog is an expert on serial arson investigation and has lectured to law enforcement agencies throughout California. He has developed an outstanding reputation and is sought out by countries worldwide to lecture on serial arson and fire investigations. He is a course developer and instructor for the Arson and Explosive Investigation Course. Detective Nordskog has won numerous awards, including the "Excellence in Instruction" award given by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, Institute of Criminal Investigation (ICI) program. He has brought about a paradigm shift to the field of serial arson investigations. Detective Nordskog has developed curriculum that provides a list of solutions and strategies for fire investigators to enhance their knowledge and skill sets, resulting in a higher success rate in prosecuting serial arsonists. He has conducted over 1,700 fire investigations. Detective Nordskog has a Master's Degree in Emergency Services Management from California State University, Long Beach, and is recognized as a Certified Fire Investigator by the California State Fire Marshal.
Runner-up: None.
2013 Organizational Achievement
Winner: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) adopted the mission of the "Below 100" national campaign utilizing its five tenets and began its campaign in 2013 to: 1) recognize the benefits of wearing a seatbelt while on duty, 2) recognize the benefits of wearing a ballistic vest and a reflective vest, 3) recognize the dangers of speed and distracted driving, 4) understand and apply the "What is Import Now" (WIN) mindset, and 5) recognize and avoid the dangers of complacency. CHP enhanced this training by incorporating powerful videos and presentations to elicit an emotional connection.They designed a "train-the-trainer" program by including significant enhancement to include newly developed videos and additional patrol footage shot and edited by the CHP video unit.Their approach and delivery has caused law enforcement throughout the state to recognize the need for improved safety procedures.In the short time CHP has been providing the training, there have been over 5,000 CHP officers and 500 allied agency officers trained throughout the state.The CHP's Below 100 training has had a substantial influence on CHP officers in the way they perceive safety as they conduct their day-to-day operations.It has reduced liability and increased accountability for law enforcement as a whole throughout the state of California. This award was accepted on behalf of the CHP by Chief Scott Howland, Information Management Division.
Runner-up: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department/Park Bureau, Mounted Enforcement Detail is the runner-up for the 2013 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
2012
2012 Individual Achievement
Winner: Officer Todd Maxson has 12 years of service with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and is assigned as an instructor to the Advanced Officer Safety Training (AOST) program. Officer Maxson is recognized for innovation of authoring, acquiring, and managing a Homeland Security Grant for the Law Enforcement Active Shooter Emergency Response (LASER) course. Officer Maxson is also recognized for his instructional and administrative skills of developing realistic training scenarios by reviewing actual events across the country and incorporating them into scenarios. He attends all of the train-the-trainer courses and requires more stringent safety protocols than are required in the LASER scenarios. He provides instructors additional training materials to ensure this statewide training course is successful and runs smoothly. As of November 2012, approximately 2,000 personnel have been trained. Officer Maxson holds several certifications such as POST recognized instructor, Weapons Range Officer, Master Taser Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor through National Training Concepts, and LASER Course Instructor through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Runner-up: Michael P. Rodriguez, Sergeant, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is the runner-up for the 2012 POST Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement.
2012 Organizational Achievement
Winner: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department – Parks Bureau assumed responsibility for providing patrol services to 177 Co unty Parks throughout Los Angeles County. This newly created Parks Bureau became the catalyst for building valuable community partnerships to improve services and safety for park patrons. Data collected by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children statistics reflects 25 percent of all stranger abductions occur in a park or wooded area. Based on these statistics, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department developed a training program called radKIDS (Resist Aggression Defensively). The radKIDS program was implemented on May 1, 2012, and is the first of its kind within the Los Angeles County area. The training provides hands-on, activity-based, physical skills training to sheriff's sworn personnel, park bureau personnel, parks and recreation staff, and to the general public, specifically to parents and their children. The radKIDS program helps empowers children to recognize instinctual options to avoid, and if necessary, response to potential danger. This 10-hour family centered safety education program emphasizes to kids essential decision-making skills as well as physical resistance options to escape violence. This program is taught at the Los Angeles County Parks by members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Representing and accepting the award for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Parks Bureau was Captain Stephen Smith.
Runner-up: California Highway Patrol Advanced Officer Safety Training Program is the runner-up for the 2012 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
2012 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Retired Sergeant John Pokorny (JP) is a 30-year veteran as the Training Officer and Coordinator at the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. He was a Chief Chemical Agent Instructor and Chief Less Lethal Instructor. He served as a regional firearms instructor and as a primary tactical instructor at the Sheriff's SWAT Academy which was attended by over 750 students from local, state, and federal agencies, along with member of the U.S. armed forces. He also served on the POST Firearms and the POST Chemical Agents committees. JP's 20 years on the Sheriff's SWAT Team led him to emphasize effective tactics that work in real critical events. He trained over 2,000 law enforcement personnel in the use of chemical agents and in the use of less lethal weapons such as the "Pepper Ball," the "Bean Bag," and the "TASER.". The tactics developed and taught by Sergeant JP are utilized by law enforcement officers and tactical teams throughout California. Sergeant JP has served on the Board of Directors for California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO). He received the Lifetime Achievement award from CATO for his service and dedication to CATO and the Tactical Community for the past 30 years. JP's contribution to tactical training has had significant impact on the Sheriff's Department. JP is described by his peers and colleagues as "having contributed more than any other deputy in the history of the department." Sergeant JP's lifetime work has made law enforcement safer.
Sadly, Retired Sergeant John Pokorny passed away quietly at his home on June 7, 2013. Accepting the nomination on behalf of JP and his family was Undersheriff Ed Prendergast and Retired Sergeant Craig Berry.
Runner-up: John Sanford, Deputy, Recruit Training Officer, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is the runner-up for the 2012 POST Excellence in Training Award for Lifetime Achievement.
2011
2011 Individual Achievement
Winner: Lieutenant Chris J. Perez, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LACSD), was assigned as a Sergeant to the Pitchess Detention Center Range from July 2009 to March 2011 when he was promoted to Lieutenant. While there, he became the catalyst for changing the manner in which firearms training is taught and learned by law enforcement students. From his analysis of officer-involved shootings, he identified the essential skill sets needed to be successful in deadly encounters and then put in place the training that would effectively teach those skills. Lieutenant Perez developed an instructor guide and standardized drills that still stressed accuracy, but emphasized response under combat situations. While in this assignment, Lieutenant Perez developed the three-phase plan that: 1) Implemented a mandated instructor update training and competency program, 2) changed all firearms courses to closely enact the actual skills and mind-set to prepare for combat situations, and 3) redesigned obsolete ranges to facilitate the new training paradigm.
Runner-up: Debbie Eglin, Corporal, San Diego Miramar College, School of Public Safety is the runner-up for the 2011 POST Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement.
2011 Organizational Achievement
Winner: The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has been in the forefront of training excellence for several years. An example of this valuable and effective training is "Urban Shield" created in 2006. "Urban Shield" is a 48-hour continuous exercise that is highly interactive, challenging and task driven. It provides first responders from all disciplines, public and private, to train together in a real-life setting to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to the perform key tasks required in large-scale disasters. It is designed to identify and stretch regional resources to their limits, while expanding regional collaboration and building positive relationships. Urban Shield challenges the skills, knowledge, and abilities of all who participate, and has received national and international recognition. This award was accepted on behalf of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office by Commander Donald M. Buchanan.
Runner-up: Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) is the runner-up for the 2011 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
Honorable Mention: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Muslim Community Affairs Unit – Sergeant Mike Abdeen and Deputy Sherif Morsi received Honorable Mention for the 2011 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
2011 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Executive Director Michael Gray of the San Diego Regional Training Center is responsible for managing a number of POST legacy training programs such as the Instructor Development Institute (IDI) and the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation's (ICI). Mr. Gray began his law enforcement career in 1984 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. He began his training career as a department Field Training Officer in 1989. In 1993, while working LASD's Auto Theft Taskforce, he became the administrator and instructor for the ICI Vehicle Theft Investigations Course, training more than 300 investigators during this assignment. After retiring from the Sheriff's Department, he continued to pursue his passion of training law enforcement personnel. In 1997, Mr. Gray graduated from Class 6 of the POST Master Instructor Development Program and was later selected to be a co-facilitator in this program from 2007-2011. One of Mr. Gray's most significant accomplishments was overseeing the initial design and development of the annual POST Instructor Symposium which has received outstanding acclaim. In recognition for his contributions, he was awarded the ICI Excellence in Instruction Award in 2006 and the Robert Presley ICI Founder's Award in 2009.
Runner-up: Robert Schirn, Head Deputy District Attorney (Retired), Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is the runner-up for the 2011 POST Excellence in Training Award for Lifetime Achievement.
2010
2010 Individual Achievement
Winner: Detective Teresa L. Irvin, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Detective Support and Vice Division, is recognized for her extensive research into critical incidents involving barricaded suspects, hostage standoffs, and attempted suicides. Detective Irvin identified an increase in critical incidents involving returning veterans who had experienced combat during deployment. She learned about ways that responding officers could better handle critical incidents involving veterans with minimal risk to the individuals and the first responders. She incorporated the information she gained from her research into the LAPD's Crisis Communications Course and provided training regarding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to countless first responders and crisis negotiators to help them to effectively de-escalate a crisis. Because of the studies she has completed, regarding critical incidents, the LAPD Mental Evaluation Training Unit has been selected as a Specialized Response Law Enforcement/Mental Health Learning Site by the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Runner-up: Dawewon Kim, Acting Supervising Investigator, and Britton Schaefer, Senior Investigator, Los Angeles County District Attorney, Bureau of Investigation are the runners-ups for the 2010 POST Excellence in Training Award for Individual Achievement.
2010 Organizational Achievement
Winner: The California Narcotic Officers' Association (CNOA) is recognized for the development and presentation of innovative training that has been recognized within and outside of California. The CNOA has had a statewide and national impact through its offerings of unique, specialized law enforcement training. The CNOA has presented over 1,400 classes to over 110,000 officers, and offers 43 POST-certified courses. The CNOA is a not-for-profit professional training organization that conducts "training needs assessments" for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. The CNOA manages the Narcotic Educational Foundation of America, a non-profit outreach program that provides no-cost training materials and instructors to community groups, schools, and partners in anti-drug organizations. In 1994, CNOA created the Survivors Memorial Fund that provides immediate cash assistance to families of California peace officers killed in the line of duty. This award was accepted on behalf of the California Narcotic Officers' Association by Director of Training Jim Aumond.
Runner-up: The Los Angeles Police Department for development of the Multiple Assault Counter-Terrorism Action Capabilities (MACTAC) is the runner-up for the 2010 POST Excellence in Training Award for Organizational Achievement.
2010 Lifetime Achievement
Winner: Captain Richard Wemmer retired from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), has over 38 years of law enforcement teaching experience and has been an instructor at Golden West College, Regional Criminal Justice Training Center for 32 years. He has frequently been recognized for his work in officer safety and tactics training. He has authored several articles related to the killing of peace officers and has received commendations throughout the United States for his training in preventing peace officer deaths and injuries. Presently, Captain Wemmer is the Coordinator of the Officer Safety Tactics (OST) program at Golden West College, Criminal Justice Training Center. He has tailored the OST program to minimize downtime and maximize the training experience for the students. He has played a vital role in the development of officer survival skills training and offered it to hundreds of basic academy recruits and in-service officers.
Runner-up: Jody Buna, Senior Law Enforcement Consultant (Retired), Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and Lieutenant (Retired), Oakland Police Department is the runner-up for the 2010 POST Excellence in Training Award for Lifetime Achievement.