santa clara police
CHIEF’S REVIEW
awards ceremony
CITATIONS
Police Commendation Ribbon
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Lt. Eric Lagergren and Sgt Patricia Bowers
Senate Bill 2 brought sweeping changes to law enforcement processes for investigating claims against police officers. Sergeant Patricia Powers and Sergeant Eric Lagergren spent months ensuring the Santa Clara Police Department’s processes adhered to new guidelines, while also working with numerous stakeholders to ensure fairness to officers. This effort included, but was not limited to, countless meetings, coordination with IT personnel, and educational briefings for frontline supervisors. The work ethic and dedication displayed by Sergeant Bowers and Sergeant Lagergren throughout this process is highly admirable, and their results are an example for other agencies to emulate.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Sgt Adam Wilson
From 2021 to 2024, Detective Adam Wilson was assigned to the Property Crimes section of the Santa Clara Police Department Investigations Bureau. During this stint, Detective Wilson performed admirably, earning a reputation as a tenacious investigator. Detective Wilson’s highlights were numerous, including solving countless cases related to organized retail theft, burglaries, robberies, and fraud incidents, some of which involved hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses. Numerous investigations led by Detective Wilson resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms. Detective Wilson’s efforts were recognized by the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post when they named him their 2022 Public Servant of the Year. Detective Wilson’s hard work, determination, and competency were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Santa Clara Police Department, and they reflect great credit upon him and the SCPD Investigations Division.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Ofc Carlo Calupad
From 2020 to 2024, Officer Carlo Calupad was assigned to the Community Response Team as a Crisis Intervention Specialist. Officer Calupad was an inaugural member of this unit, helping to stand the CIS position up from scratch. During his time as a Crisis Intervention Specialist, Officer Calupad revolutionized the way SCPD approaches mental health crisis response. He played an important part in growing the unit, including assisting with the formation of a Psychological Emergency Response Team (PERT). Officer Calupad’s contributions to the Santa Clara Police Department during his time as a Crisis Intervention Specialist cannot be overstated. His impacts to the community are far-reaching and noteworthy.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Ofc Luis Telles
In 2024 Officer Telles demonstrated exemplary work combining proactive self-initiated police work with outstanding self-initiated follow-up investigation. On February 26th, 2024, SCPD received a Flock hit for an armed and dangerous vehicle used in an armed robbery and shooting in Las Vegas. Officer Telles located the suspect vehicle and coordinated a high-risk enforcement stop, detaining two suspects without incident. Following the stop, Officer Telles conducted follow-up investigation with LVMPD Detectives that allowed one of the occupants to be the prime suspect out of Las Vegas. Further investigation led to the recovery of firearms used during the crimes. Officer Telles travelled to Las Vegas to testify in the Grand Jury related to the investigation. On 6/11/2024, Officer Telles viewed an informational flyer featuring images from an attempted burglary. Officer Telles located the vehicle from the incident and stopped the vehicle. The driver, who had an extensive criminal history, was found to be in possession of a .32 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver and narcotics. The driver was also wearing the same clothing as the attempted burglary and possessed fraudulent driver’s licenses. On 7/11/2024, Officer Telles responded to an assault of a juvenile. Three unknown suspects attacked the victim causing significant injury and stealing the victim’s Rosary necklace. Officer Telles thoroughly documented the incident and coordinated with the Detective Bureau. Officer Telles conducted follow up investigation and was able to identify the primary suspect in the case. Officer Telles authored a search warrant for the suspect’s home and inside of the home the victim’s necklace was recovered. Officer Telles actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Santa Clara Police Department and reflect great credit upon himself and the Santa Clara Police Department.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Lt Bill Lutz
Lieutenant Bill Lutz served in the Special Operations Division from March 2022 to November 2024. During this time, he played a critical role in over 50 large-scale events including NFL games and concerts at Levi’s Stadium, as well as events such as parades, festivals, and charity runs throughout the City of Santa Clara. In his role as Interior Chief for events at Levi’s Stadium, Lieutenant Lutz refined processes, improved efficiency, and collaborated with partners to enhance police deployments and increase safety for attendees and employees. His contributions in this role were incredibly impressive, and they reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Division, and the Santa Clara Police Department.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Lt Dustin Silva
Lieutenant Dustin Silva served in the Special Operations Division from August 2021 to November 2024. During this time, he played a critical role in over 50 large-scale events including NFL games and concerts at Levi’s Stadium, as well as events such as parades, festivals, and charity runs throughout the City of Santa Clara. In his role as Exterior Chief for events at Levi’s Stadium, Lieutenant Silva refined processes, improved efficiency, and collaborated with partners to enhance police deployments and increase safety for attendees and employees. His contributions in this role were incredibly impressive, and they reflect great credit upon himself, the Special Operations Division, and the Santa Clara Police Department.
POLICE COMMENDATION RIBBON – Ofc Jason Koehler
While working as a Juvenile Crimes Detective in the Investigations Bureau, Detective Jason Koehler, along with his two partners handle some of the most sensitive and serious crimes that take place in Santa Clara. During his time in the Bureau, Detective Koehler volunteered to get certified to conduct forensic phone examinations. This new skill has helped Detective Koehler not only with his cases but has allowed him to assist the Bureau as a whole. Detective Koehler also sought out training to conduct undercover online investigations. This program was the first of its kind at SCPD. Within the first year, Detective Koehler had 9 investigations with 7 arrests. As part of these investigations, Detective Koehler planned and executed four sting operations that resulted in multiple arrests. Detective Koehler through his work and initiative reflect great credit upon himself, the Investigations Bureau and the Santa Clara Police Department.
Professional development Ribbon
Lt. Luke Erickson, Lt. Justin Mead, and OS Jenifer Silveira
Lt. Erickson and Lt Mead graduated from SBSLI (Sherman Block Leadership Institute. SBSLI is a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law enforcement front-line supervisors. Designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers, the SBSLI is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work.
OS Jenifer Silveira graduated from CLI (Civilian Leadership Institute). CLI is a comprehensive, five-month leadership program designed specifically for civilian public safety employees who are or aspire to become supervisors or managers. The class met two days per month for five month, providing participants the opportunity to develop skills and strategies to become engaging and effective leaders in their organization.
Police Achievement Ribbon
POLICE ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON – CSO Christopher Burgos
On November 6, 2023, an incident involving several violent felonies occurred in the City of Santa Clara. The victim and both suspects are Filipino and communicate with each other primarily in Tagalog. The victim had communicated over a long period of time with one of the suspects via text message. CSO Christopher Burgos, being fluent in Tagalog, volunteered to assist with this investigation and spent multiple hours over several days transcribing over 30 pages of text messages. Christopher also translated an entire 30-minute recorded phone call. Due to the nature of this investigation, the need for this work was time sensitive. CSO Burgos stepped up in a time of need and played a critical role in this successful investigation, even though the tasks were well outside of his assigned roles and responsibilities. CSO Burgos’ dedication, selflessness, and sense of duty are in keeping with the high standards of the Santa Clara Police Department.
POLICE ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON – Det Patrick Baldsassari
On February 14, 2024, a citizen reported seeing two suspects tampering with his vehicle. Officer Baldassari quickly responded and was able to locate and stop the suspect vehicle. Officer Baldassari’s investigation revealed one of the suspects was on PRCS. A search of the vehicle revealed burglary tools, and the suspects were arrested and booked into County Jail. Officer Baldassari then contacted the Special Enforcement Team to coordinate a follow-on search of one of the suspects’ residence. A search of this apartment revealed drugs packaged for sales, as well as a firearm and ammunition. A child who was present was determined to be endangered and was transferred to the custody of CPS. Officer Baldassari’s actions turned a relatively low-level investigation into the seizure of a firearm from a felon’s possession and the removal of a child from a dangerous environment.
POLICE ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON – Sgt Douglas Bell
Since the discontinuation of “Best of the West” and “Urban Shield,” there has been a noticeable absence of inter-agency SWAT coordination across Santa Clara County. Sergeant DJ Bell recognized this shortcoming and worked for several months to remedy the situation. Sergeant Bell planned, coordinated, and ultimately facilitated a multi-agency training that was extremely successful. SWAT teams from Santa Clara PD, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, Gilroy-Morgan Hill PDs, Campbell PD, and the Sunnyvale Department of Safety participated in several scenarios (hostage rescue, vehicle barricade, active shooter, and linear assault) that were hosted by the participating teams. The teams also had the opportunity to share information on tactics, techniques, procedures, as well as different equipment across the teams. Sergeant Bell’s dedication to the law enforcement profession is commendable and sets the standard for others to follow..
POLICE ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON – Officer Matthew Floresca
On 9/2/24 at approximately 1302 hours, SCPD Officers were dispatched to the area of Lawrence Expressway and Benton for a male reporting that he was being shot at. Officers arrived in the area but could not locate the reporting party. At approximately 1336 hours, Sunnyvale DPS broadcast that they had located the victim and confirmed that he had been the victim of a shooting. At approximately 1353 hours, un updated broadcast was received from SVDPS, advising that the suspect was known, and the suspect vehicle was last seen in the area of Alta Mira in Santa Clara. Officer Floresca responded to the area to look for the vehicle. Officer Floresca utilized the Flock system and saw that the vehicle triggered a camera near Homestead Road and San Tomas Expressway. Officer Floresca utilized excellent critical thinking while methodically searching the area. Officer Floresca located the vehicle at 1411 hours and broadcast all pertinent information to other officers. Officer Floresca remained extremely calm while following a dangerous suspect, constantly providing updates to other Officers responding to the area. Once joined by other Officers, Officer Floresca initiated a felony vehicle stop and the vehicle yielded near El Camino Real and McCormick. The suspect was detained at the stop without incident. SVDPS units responded to the stop and took custody of the suspect and towed the vehicle for evidence. The suspect later admitted to the shooting and SVDPS Detectives located the firearm used at a home in Santa Clara as well as ballistic armor and a helmet in the vehicle. Officer Floresca’s willingness to pursue a dangerous criminal and his unwavering commitment to duty while staying calm in the capture of the suspect are a great example of exemplary police work.
Unit Achievement Ribbon
UNIT ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON – Officer Jonathan Banales-Vaca, Officer Salvador Naranjo, Officer Reed VanDiemen, Officer Patrick Baldassari, Officer Froylan Aranda, Sgt Joshua Higgins, Officer Mario Avina, Dispatcher Andrea Medina, and Dispatcher Leslie Loretto
On February 20, 2024, SCPD officers were dispatched to a shooting incident. The reporting party stated that her boyfriend had shot her child and fled the residence. At the time of this incident, there was only one patrol shift working, as well as only two public safety dispatchers. The limited public safety personnel that were working were tasked with an unfortunate and challenging series of tasks; conduct a welfare check of the victim and coordinate medical treatment if appropriate, obtain a suspect description from the distraught reporting party, and, most importantly, locate a fleeing felon and safely placing him into custody. In a tremendous display of teamwork and professionalism, the personnel on duty were able to collectively accomplish the above and more. The group distinguished themselves by performing exceptional service to duty, and they set the stage to provide a small amount of justice on behalf of the victim in this terrible incident.”
LIFESAVING AWARD
Ofc Hilda Velasco
On March 25, 2024, a stabbing occurred at 3311 Kifer Rd in Santa Clara. Officer Hilda Velasco rushed to the scene. The victim was able to move to the front lobby area of the property, and Officer Velasco hurriedly moved to his location. Upon reaching the victim, Officer Velasco observed that the victim had lost a significant amount of blood. Recognizing this as a life-threatening injury, Officer Velasco retrieved a tourniquet which she wisely had on her person for just such an occasion. Officer Velsaco was able to apply the tourniquet successfully within seconds of reaching the victim, effectively stopping the blood loss. She accomplished this while giving other officers directions and ensuring scene security. Officer Velasco then assisted in moving the victim out of the building to a location where an ambulance could reach him. Doctors later confirmed a large artery in the victim’s arm had been affected, and the victim likely would have perished without the actions of Officer Velasco.
Ofc AJ Pianto and Ofc Colton Goularte
On 6/20/2024, Officers were dispatched to the Taco Bell on The Alameda regarding a person to the rear of the business who might need help. Officer Pianto arrived on scene and located a male subject down in the ally who was unresponsive. Officer Goularte arrived on scene and delivered Narcan to the man, who’s condition was deteriorating. The male stopped breathing as SCFD arrived. Officer Reeves assisted fire with CPR by utilizing a bag valve mask to provide rescue breathes. Officer Pianto held the man’s head and provided calm, clear instructions during this entire incident that allowed all the officers to work together to provide lifesaving measures. All three officer’s actions were directly responsible for saving the man’s life and are a great credit upon themselves and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Santa Clara Police Department.
Ofc Fickes
On 11/11/2024, Officer Fickes was dispatched to the Jack in the Box at 2845 Augustine Drive regarding a subject who had been in the bathroom for over 2 hours and was not responding to staff and possibly had a syringe in his hand. Officer Fickes located the male in the bathroom unresponsive. Officer Fickes immediately forced the bathroom stall open and pulled the man to the ground. Without hesitation, Officer Fickes administered two doses of Narcan, causing the man to suddenly gasp and start regular breathing again. Santa Clara Fire, who had arrived and treated the man, later reported that Officer Fickes’ actions were directly responsible for saving the man’s life. Officer Fickes’ actions were of great credit to himself and in keeping with the highest traditions of the Santa Clara Police Department.
Gun Violence Reduction Ribbon
Officers Andy McGuire, Raymond Boales, Luis Telles, Jacob Ponte, Matthew Floresca, and Robert Lyman each achieved this feat in 2024. Of particular note, this is Officer Boales’ third Gun Violence Reduction Award. Please join me in congratulating these employees for their outstanding work.”
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AWARD
Officer Pomposo, Officer Boales, and Officer Zavala
Between January 2023 and December 2023, Detective Tony Pomposo recovered 13 stolen vehicles, including 3 vehicles that were occupied at the time of recovery. This award recognizes Detective Pomposo’s satisfaction of the requirements of the California Highway Patrol’s 10851 award
Between February 2023 and November 2023, Officer Raymond Boales recovered 6 stolen vehicles, including multiple vehicles that were occupied at the time of recovery. This award recognizes Officer Boales’ satisfaction of the requirements of the California Highway Patrol’s 10851 award.
Officer Nathalie Zavala received the Veterans of Foreign Wars Public Servant Recognition Award. While serving with SCPD, Officer Zavala has been actively serving with the California Army National Guard. Officer Zavala possesses a unique skillset as a remarkable police sketch artist. Officer Zavala’s skills have become known throughout the Bay Area as she routinely assists agencies Bay Area wide.
CITIZEN’S AWARD
CITIZEN’S AWARD – Mr. Isaac Herrera-Dimas
On 8/28/2024, an elderly female victim (79 years old) was walking in the area of Halford Ave and Lochnivar St. An unknown male suspect approached the victim from behind, tackled her to the ground and attempted to take away her purse. As the attempted robbery was occurring, a good Samaritan, Isaac Herrera-Dimas, was driving his vehicle in the area and observed the assault. Herrera-Dimas stopped his vehicle and came to the aide of the elderly victim. Herrera-Dimas was attacked by the suspect and received multiple injuries as a result of the assault. The elderly victim was able to escape due to Herrera-Dimas intervening. Officers at the scene were able to use witness statements and evidence to identify a possible suspect. While being treated for his injuries at the hospital, Herrera-Dimas was contacted by detectives and positively identified the suspect via a photo line-up and the suspect was later arrested. Herrera-Dimas placed himself in harm’s way to come to the aide of a citizen in need and we recognize him tonight with the SCPD Citizen’s Recognition Award.
Doug Towne Professional Staff Employee of the Year
Caitlin Frates
CSO Frates has redefined the role of a patrol CSO at the Santa Clara Police Department. CSO Frates manages to complete all of her assigned duties and actively seeks opportunities to assist her patrol team, the department, and the community.
CSO Frates has then investigative curiosity of a seasoned patrol officer and an obsession with identifying suspects. In just the past year, she has developed suspect information on at least a dozen cases ranging from auto theft, residential burglaries, and vandalisms. She does this by exhausting police databases and using advanced investigative techniques with little to no suspect information. Property detectives consistently compliment the depth of her investigations and thoroughness of her reports.
CSO Frates’ greatest work attribute was summed up best by one of her teammates. He stated that, “CSO Frates’ only goal in this job is to make everyone else’s job easier.” This is evident by the efficiency in which she handles her responsibilities and her habit of answering up for calls pending, or dispatched to beat units.
CSO Frates brings positive energy and joy to briefing every morning, and her laughter seems to be infectious. During community events, she can often be found surrounded by community members, especially children. In my career, I have never seen a CSO do what she does every patrol shift.
Steven Briones Reserve Officer of the Year
David Raymaker
Reserve Officer David Raymaker is receiving the Reserve Officer of the Year award for his consistent and competent service to the community. Dave Raymaker has been a Reserve Police Officer with the City of Santa Clara for over 30 years. Reserve officers are expected to contribute a minimum of 10 hours a month. Dave, however, regularly contributes at least twenty patrol hours a week, typically Fridays and Saturdays. As a Level 2 Reserve Police Officer, Dave plays a vital support role working “Adam” unit with a full time police officer. Dave’s is considered to be a valuable and contributing member of Team 1B. Dave’s experience and expertise have been recognized by our department’s Training Unit and has been servicing as Trainer Assistant for the department’s quarterly Advanced Officer Training (AOTs) for the past few years. Dave was recently recognized by the Special Operations Unit as being one of the top contributing Special Event Officers, working nearly every stadium event since the opening of the Levi’s Stadium. When the police department needs assistance with emergency callouts, crime scene security, or in-custody overwatch at the hospital, Dave always volunteers to step-up to the task, which would otherwise pull much-needed patrol resources from the streets. As such, Dave’s reliable and dependable contribution has consistently earned him recognition as the highest volunteer hours annually contributed by a Reserve Officer.
George Whybark Police Officer of the Year Award
Matthew Floresca
During 2024, Officer Floresca has served SCPD in the Patrol Division. Officer Floresca has distinguished himself as a leader among his peers. Other Officers will turn to Officer Floresca for guidance and assistance on incidents big and small. Officer Floresca’s work ethic is second to none. Every single shift Officer Floresca arrives early and works tirelessly to help his teammates and detectives, proactively stop criminals, and handle his beat. As a result of his hard work, Officer Floresca has produced some extraordinary cases during 2024. On 6/14/2024, a burglary occurred at Stevens Creek Surplus. Officer Floresca located the vehicle nearby and the vehicle fled. A short time later, Officer Floresca located the vehicle a second time and it was determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Officer Floresca investigated and through surveillance footage was able to determine that the suspect was a prolific burglar who was later charged with a series of burglaries in Santa Clara. On 9/2/2024, Officer Floresca utilized critical thinking and law enforcement systems to locate a wanted suspect vehicle that was involved in a shooting in Sunnyvale. Officer Floresca very calmly directed additional officers while following the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped on El Camino Real and the driver was detained without incident. SVDPS responded to the scene and took custody of the driver and the vehicle. It was later learned the suspect ditched the gun in Santa Clara, which was later recovered. For his efforts, Officer Floresca was awarded the Police Achievement Ribbon. Officer Floresca has shown his work consistency, earning the Gun Violence Reduction Ribbon in 2024. Officer Floresca located his third firearm proactively after stopping a vehicle on The Alameda and locating a loaded Glock 23 in the center console. While working with Detectives, Officer Floresca conducted follow up on a case in which a suspect was arrested for a firearm. Officer Floresca authored two search warrants. Following execution of the search warrant, 4 additional suspects were arrested for stolen firearms, other weapons charges, drug sales, and identity theft. The suspects were also linked to additional crimes throughout the Bay Area. Day in and day out Officer Floresca is the epitome of what it means to be a Santa Clara Police Officer.