Police dish out awards at annual breakfast

More than a dozen Newport Beach police officers were recognized for their work in 2008 on Thursday during the department’s annual Police Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

Det. Bob Watts was recognized as Officer of the Year and Sgt. Tom Fischbacher was named Supervisor of the Year. Wendy Joe was named Civilian of the Year and Reserve Officer Glen Caldwell was named Reserve Officer of the Year. Paul Heller was honored as Volunteer of the Year.

Earning awards for individual incidents, Sgt. John Hougan and Officers Brandon Rodriguez and Dave Syvock were recognized with awards of merit for their response to the Brea and Yorba Linda fires last year, where they performed emergency evacuations with flames dangerously close.

Det. Kristen O’Donnell was recognized for her thorough investigation into a July biker brawl at Blackie’s By the Sea bar near Newport Pier. Prosecutors allege members of the Set Free Soldiers and Hells Angels duked it out in the bar where at least two people were stabbed.

O’Donnell credited the department’s entire detective bureau for assisting her work.

Officer John Yim earned a Lifesaving Award with Officer Dave Stark when they attempted to save a person who lost control of their vehicle on the freeway and rolled down a 15-foot embankment.

The officers broke open a window and even lifted the car to try to save the person.

Officers Mike LaVigne, Jeanne Reincke, Matt Keyworth and Costa Mesa Officer Kevin Gleason were all given Lifesaving Awards for their part in trying to save a fatally injured bike rider in the Back Bay.

Officer Justin Yee earned his second consecutive Lifesaving Award and Shawn Dugan was equally honored for their efforts saving a man’s life as he tried to commit suicide off of Newport Pier.

Officer Bob Rivers, a police helicopter pilot, was recognized for his efforts communicating with other emergency agencies as they worked together to save a drowning man who had fallen from the rocks off Newport Beach.

Reporter JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].