Rocklin Police Department Newsletter November 2009 Rocklin Police Department Vol 4 Issue 11 Message from the Chief by Mark Siemens It’s that time of year again, when closures soared during 2009, it is serve, protect and promote a we reflect on all of the things we’re easy to become disoriented, nerv- safe community, we are doing so thankful for and spend valuable ous and pessimistic about the with a high degree of profession- “It is the Mission of the time with family. As we approach future. But the truth is, our coun- alism and care for those who are Rocklin Police Department the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope try has faced adversity many under strain in their personal we can all pause to take stock in times before, and it’s through lives. I want to thank each of to Serve, Protect those people who are meaningful difficult times such as this reces- you for your hard work and dedi- to us and all the things we have to sion which force us to realize the cation, and I wish you and your and Promote a be thankful for. As the unemploy- important issues in our lives that families a very happy holiday ment rate in California has sky matter the most, yet often go Safe Community.” season! rocketed to 12.2%, and home fore- overlooked. Myself? I am thank- ful to be working in Rocklin, a family-oriented-community that will surely see a lot of giving through the next few months to those who are less fortunate. This giving spirit is indicative of a community that focuses on others for the greater good, and is com- mitted to ensuring a healthy and safe environment. As the Police Department, we are the most visible members of City govern- ment and represent Rocklin on a daily basis. I know that as we Captains Corner, by Ron Lawrence and Dan Ruden The Roman Army is first known Army are known to have re- Throughout the history of U.S. dance were at least 300 law to distinguish acts of honor ceived the Fidelity Medallion, law enforcement there has also enforcement personnel, family within its’ military and govern- which was specific to that event been recognized acts of distinc- members and dignitaries from ment structure. The Roman only. After that, the first formal tion, but since the U.S. has a throughout Placer County, to pay Empire issued the Grass Crown, recognition of U.S. military sol- decentralized model of law en- tribute to the brave men and Civic Crown and Naval Crown for diers for individual heroic acts forcement, there is no nationally women who serve our communi- various acts of distinction, with by American soldiers was estab- recognized honors system. Here ties. On page three is a list of the Grass Crown being the high- lished by General George Wash- in Placer County, we have the those Rocklin PD employees est and rarest of military decora- ington on August 7, 1782. Gen- PLEA (Placer Law Enforcement honored at this year’s PLEA tions presented to generals or eral Washington created the Agencies) Annual Awards cere- Awards ceremony, and just as commanders who broke the “Badge of Military Merit” to rec- mony, and we have our own the crowns of the Roman Empire blockade of beleaguered Army’s. ognize singular meritorious ac- Rocklin awards ceremony, both and Washington’s Badge of Mili- The first military medal in the tion, which ceased to be used designed to recognize acts of tary Merit were meant to desig- United States bestowed upon after the Revolutionary War, and bravery, moments of heroism nate those individuals who have American servicemen was the ultimately became known as the and acts of distinction above displayed acts above and be- “Fidelity Medallion,” and was “Purple Heart” medal of today. and beyond the call of duty. yond the call of duty, so too are created by the Continental Con- The ritual of U.S. military service Both of us Captains felt privi- our honors and awards meant to gress in 1780 to recognize those men and women being recog- leged and honored to present distinguish local heroes for their soldiers who assisted in the nized for bravery and acts of our Rocklin awards at the 2009 acts of bravery and honor here capture of General Benedict distinction has continued PLEA Annual Awards ceremony in Rocklin (Continued on page Arnolds’ confidant, British Army throughout history and is now a on the evening of November 4th, 3). Major John Andre’. Only three at the Sunset Center. In atten- time honored tradition. soldiers of the U.S. Continental Vol. 4, Issue 11 Page 2 Records Appreciation Dinner, by Jennifer Collins On November 14, the Rocklin dinner was hosted by Rocklin PD licensing, subpoenas, business with more than 250 in at- Police Department joined 14 and was located at the beautiful licensing, evidence, etc. Re- tendance. I was happy to other area law enforcement agen- Sunset Center. cords and support staff, both host the first annual event cies to recognize a talented employed and volunteer, provide and look forward to many to and vital group of professionals: Records and support staff per- an integral service as the face of come. Please join us in law enforcement records and form a variety of duties without the police department. They thanking this hardworking support staff. Law enforcement which the police department pride themselves on customer group of law enforcement records and support staff from would come to a screeching service, professionalism and professionals! Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado halt. Staff process crime re- attention to detail. and Yolo Counties ports, traffic collisions, traffic It was with great pleasure that were celebrated at the region's citations, public records act re- regional law enforcement recog- first annual Law Enforcement quests, fingerprint requests, dog nized this specialized group of Records Association Dinner. The people. The event was a huge hit Ron McCray, Rodeo Man! by Officer Casey Finney Kudo’s to Officer Ron McCray recruited other officers and coned patterns. Each pattern event. Many of the teachers for Organizing and running volunteers to assist. Ron spent was designed to challenge the had their own questions about bicycle safety rodeos for Rock- much of his own time contact- rider’s skills in different situa- bicycle laws and some of the lin and Antelope Creek Ele- ing the principals from the two tions. The Principal at each police equipment shown. mentary Schools. Ron spent schools to iron out details. Ron school demonstrated each pat- These events would not have approximately two months also scheduled two preliminary tern to the children. Those who been such a success without preparing for the event. He meetings for those involved to didn’t bring a bicycle were their interactive involvement. give assignments for the grouped and a brief interactive I would like to join Officer events. bicycle safety lecture was given by an officer. At the conclusion McCray in thanking the Volun- Both Rodeos were a hit. the students were shown the teers and Officers who as- th th They involved all 4 , 5 different police vehicles that were sisted in these events. Their and 6th grade classes. involvement made Officer present. Those that brought bicy- McCray’s planning and organi- cles were able to run Each Principal and the teachers zation all come together suc- through four different were enthusiastic about the cessfully. Where were you when… by Officer Casey Finney Where were you when our Ron was with Officer J. Consta- tions, reserves were contacted. the Reserve Officers. These events Wells Fargo was hit in ble. You may have recognized They all answered up. are irreplaceable for training / ex- August? How about the Doug’s mug on channel 40. They were all at their regular full perience purposes. These guys armed and barricaded Doug was given permission to time jobs when contacted. They don’t get the 40 + hours a week to subject at the Rocklin Park give an interview after the event. all offered times to be available to obtain these experiences. So when Hotel in August? Several help out with either patrol or to it happens it’s welcome. They are of our Reserve officers just During Rocklin P.D.’s longest assist in guarding the barricaded like sponges when it comes to these stand off, at the Rocklin Park happened to be at these room. Greg Gaughan was work- events. Hotel, officer – detectives- etc. events at some point. ing with Officer Osborne when the guarded the barricaded sub- event came to a peaceful ending. I would like to thank the many regu- Both Ron McCray and ject’s room in shifts. In what After scene work was completed lar officers who frequently take Doug Vance were working turned out to be the final day a Greg stayed on to transport the these guys out with them. Your with different officers the schedule was being developed subject to the jail and ultimately willingness to teach and train these day of the Wells Fargo to work through the next morn- officers is appreciated. The more freeing up other patrol officers. robbery. Doug was riding ing. Due to a skeleton crew they learn, the more assistance they with Officer Alway while because of injuries and vaca- This article is meant to recognize can provide. Auto Attendant Feature, by Jennifer Collins On November 9, 2009, a tele- creasing number of calls to the ers were directed through our 9- The auto attendant has been phone auto attendant went department, a menu-driven 1-1 call center.