Chief Schultz and APD Leadership Team Honor Outstanding Employees and Citizens

June 4, 2010

 

Albuquerque Police Department Chief Ray Schultz recognized
numerous employees at the department’s Awards and Retirement Ceremony on June 4. Each year police officers and civilian personnel are honored for their work in various categories. Additionally, it is an opportunity for APD to recognize its retirees from the previous year.

This year’s awards recipients are as follows:

 

TEAM OF THE YEAR: ADVANCED RESPONSE RECOVERY TEAM

The Advanced Response Recovery Team, nominated by Lieutenant Jake Salazar, has been selected as the Team of the Year. Created in 2006, this team is equipped and trained to respond to a multitude of search and rescue and recovery events, including a water rescue by their dive team. This team is known for their professional, enthusiastic, and positive attitude in the face of what is many times a serious disaster.

The ARRT has responded to many high visibility events in the past year, including the search for a 13-year-old boy who was last seen swimming in the Rio Grande. Only three days later, on June 9, 2009, they were called into service to help rescue a New Mexico State Police helicopter that went down in the Santa Fe Mountains. Hampered by snow and carrying 70 pound packs, they helped to locate the victims of this horrific crash.

The members of this team work diligently, when called on to help save lives, but many times have to deal with unfavorable outcomes. Their dedication is appreciated by everyone who is acquainted with this stellar group.

OFFICER OF THE YEAR: JOAN MARENTES

Officer Joan Marinates began her career with the Albuquerque Police Department in September of 2004, and currently serves in Field Services at the Southeast Area Command. She was previously assigned to Open Space and Crimes Against Children, and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the University of New Mexico.

Officer Marinates is an officer who demonstrates amazing productivity by staying extremely busy and enormously dedicated. In a recent month this past year, she was assigned to light duty for half the month and still managed to put an astounding number of career criminals behind bars. Her natural curiosity and keen investigative skills are a plus when tracking offenders. Her statistics are consistently high and she is extremely passionate about her profession. Her record speaks for itself, revealing her professional motivation and her work ethic is an example for all.

CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR: ANTOINETTE TELLES

Antoinette Telles has been selected as the Civilian of the Year for 2009. Antoinette began her career with the City of Albuquerque, working as an Administrative Support Clerk in the Records Division in 1994. Through her determination to learn as much as possible, and her diligence to do a great job, she was promoted several times, ultimately to her current position of Supervisor of the Uniform Crime Reporting Unit.

Always striving to do a better job, Antoinette attended the Albuquerque Technical/Vocational Institute and earned an Associates Degree in Business in 2003. Due to her expert computer knowledge of the Tiburon System, she was selected to train all the personnel in the Records and the Telephone Reporting Units when this system was put into use. In her position as UCR Supervisor, Antoinette is responsible for making sure the myriad number of crime statistics recorded in Albuquerque are turned in to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a timely manner. As a result of the conscientious work of Antoinette and her Unit, the Department’s figures have never been questioned or audited by the FBI. The accuracy of these figures has resulted in more than fifteen million dollars of grant money for the betterment of The Albuquerque Police Department.

NON-UNIFORMED OFFICER OF THE YEAR: MATT MORALES

Detective Matt Morales has been selected as the Department’s Non-Uniformed Officer of the Year. Matt began his career with the Albuquerque Police Department in June of 1996 and has served in the Field Services Bureau, the Field Investigation Unit, and as a member of the Meth Lab Call-Out Team. He is currently serving in the Auto Theft Unit and has been a member of that team for the past six years.

Moving to Albuquerque from San Diego in 1992, Detective Morales attended both the New Mexico Military Institute and the University of New Mexico, majoring in Business and Sociology. He is married with two children and enjoys camping with his family.

Detective Morales enjoys problem solving, and his expertise was used in several courses at the APD Police Academy. He was also a major force involved in ratifying House Bill 51, which studies current auto theft laws. Another important issue he addressed recently is the registration of stolen vehicles by the New Mexico Department of Motor Vehicles. It is now required that each vehicle be checked through NCIC before a title transfer. In the first week, this policy was in effect, 18 stolen vehicles were exposed.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: LOWES LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER MICHAEL C DE BACA

On January 31, 2010, loss prevention officer Michael c de Baca of the Lowes home improvement store, located at 6200 Paseo del Norte NE noticed a suspicious person on the property. Mr. C de Baca observed a male subject following several elderly customers around the store and into the parking lot. Mr. C de Baca noticed that the male subject resembled an individual that committed a robbery to an elderly customer five days prior. Mr. C de Baca called police and when officers arrived on scene, Mr. C de Baca relayed his suspicions to Officer Simon Drobik. Officer Drobik then made contact with the subject, later identified as Michael Torres. Mr. Torres was taken into custody and robbery detectives were called to the store. Through investigation, it was revealed that Mr. Torres had been responsible for several robberies throughout the Albuquerque area. Due to the outstanding observations of Mr. C de Baca, a dangerous and violent criminal was removed from the streets of Albuquerque.

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: MS. ELIZABETH JOHNSON

 

On April 25, 2009, officers were dispatched to 1020 San Mateo Boulevard NE in reference to a disturbance. A male subject was screaming and yelling at people at the bus stop, preparing to engage in a fight. Ms. Elizabeth Johnson, an employee at 1020 San Mateo Boulevard NE, heard the commotion outside of her business. As she exited her business, she saw the male subject grab a small puppy and shake it violently by the neck. He then savagely threw the puppy approximately 15 feet into the air, where it landed on top of the bus shelter. Ms. Johnson ran to the bus stop and was able to get the puppy safely away from the offender. Due to her willingness to intervene, and disregard for her own safety, the puppy’s life was saved.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: MR. ALLEN SWABENBAUER

On April 6, 2010, officers were in pursuit of a blue 2001 dodge mini van used in an armed robbery. The driver of the mini van was traveling at a very high rate of speed westbound on interstate 40, attempting to elude police. The driver exited the freeway onto northbound Coors Boulevard, still refusing to stop. The driver continued to flee, and attempted to turn east onto quail road from Coors boulevard. Unable to negotiate the turn, the mini van struck a sedan stopped at the intersection. Unfortunately, both the driver and passenger in the sedan died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The driver of the mini van fled on foot northbound from the scene. Mr. Allen Swabenbauer, who witnessed the crash, followed the driver through two parking lots, over a cinder block wall, and into the back yard of a nearby residence. Mr. Swabenbauer then directed responding officers to the location where the offender was hiding. Due to his quick thinking and disregard for his own safety, Mr. Allen Swabenbauer is presented with APD’s community service award.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: MARK GOSS

 

Late last year, Mr. Mark Goss was waiting in line at the drive – thru window of the McDonalds restaurant, located at 5001 Gibson SE, when he observed an APD officer approach a vehicle in the parking lot. After contacting the driver, the officer had him exit the vehicle. As the officer was about to conduct a DWI investigation, the male driver suddenly ran north through the parking lot. The officer caught the subject and took him to the ground; however, the male quickly got to his feet and assumed a fighting stance. Once again, the officer took the subject to the ground, in an attempt to handcuff him. At this point, realizing that the officer needed help, Mr. Goss exited his vehicle and ran to assist the officer. Mr. Goss helped the officer subdue the subject, as the subject was still resisting violently, refusing to be handcuffed. Mr. Goss’s actions are a credit to the quality of citizens in our community. Due to his selflessness and bravery, Mr. Goss is presented with the department’s community service award.

MEDAL OF OUTSTANDING SERVICE: OFFICER DANIEL CALT

 

On July 7, 2007, Officer Daniel Calt was dispatched to a domestic violence call involving two roommates. Upon arrival, officer Calt was informed that the suspect was mentally unstable and out of control. When officers entered the residence, they found the subject holding a pair of bolt cutters that were approximately three feet long. The suspect was given commands to drop the bolt cutters. After several minutes, the suspect raised the bolt cutters over his shoulder, attempting to strike at officers. Officers utilized a tazer, but the suspect was able to remove the darts and return to his feet, still armed with the bolt cutters. The suspect then threw the bolt cutters at the officers, almost striking them. The suspect then picked up a large, heavy object and threw it at officer Calt, almost striking his head. As the male suspect continued with his violent rage, officers attempted to take cover near a stairwell. The male suspect now armed with a large metal baseball bat began to close the distance on Officer Calt. As the suspect raised the bat in a striking manner, officer Calt fired three shots, striking the male twice. The suspect fell to the ground and dropped the weapon. Officer Calt then immediately requested medical assistance for the offender. Due to Officer Calt’s quick and decisive actions, he was able to keep all officers from injury and will be presented with the medal of outstanding service.

 

LIFE SAVING AWARD: DETECTIVES SHAWN CASAUS AND ANDREW WICKLINE

 

On March 31, 2010, city housing employees requested assistance for a welfare check on an elderly female who had known severe medical problems that had failed to attend an early morning dialysis appointment. Upon arrival, detectives Shawn Casaus and Andrew Wickline entered the city housing unit at 8010 Constitution NE, where they located Judith Walker face down on the floor, unconscious and not breathing. Judith appeared blue and cold to the touch. Detective Wickline immediately requested AFD rescue and assisted Detective Casaus with first aid. Following their CPR training, the detectives rolled Judith on to her back, cleared her airway and obtained a pulse. Judith then began to breathe on her own. AFD personnel arrived and stated that based on the officers’ quick response, they saved the victim’s life. Due to their relentless efforts, detectives Shawn Casaus and Andrew Wickline are presented with the department’s life saving award.

 

MEDAL OF OUSTANDING SERVICE & PURPLE HEART MEDAL: OFFICER ERIC MARTINEZ

 

On December 30, 2009, Officer Eric Martinez responded to a violent domestic dispute at 1812 Indian School Road NW. While conducting their investigation, the officers noticed a vehicle slowly driving by the scene. Suddenly an occupant of the vehicle fired a shot gun at the officers. Officer Martinez was struck by a shot gun blast and sustained three wounds to his legs. Although injured, he had the bearing to return fire, striking one of the subjects in the fleeing vehicle. After returning fire, officer Martinez immediately began to treat his wounds. The suspects were subsequently taken into custody a short time later. Due to his brave and intelligent actions, officer Martinez is presented with both the medal of outstanding service and the Purple Heart medal.

 

OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD: DETECTIVES MIZEL GARCIA AND SHAWN LOCKEY

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: DR. TROY ROGERS

 

On April 15, 2010, detectives Mizel Garcia and Shawn Lockey were dispatched to 401 Roma NW, as crisis negotiators. The call was in reference to a male subject threatening to jump from a six story building. The male was standing on a 3 foot by 2 foot ledge that protruded from the roof of the building. Upon arrival, detectives Garcia and Lockey, along with the department’s psychologist, Dr. Troy Rogers, were escorted to the roof by APD Swat. Detective Garcia immediately began a face to face dialog in Spanish with the subject to establish trust. Throughout the negotiations, the male would attempt to turn away from the detectives, as if he were about to jump. Detectives Garcia and Lockey continually had the subject focus back on them, in order to talk through the crisis. Several times, the male would move very close to the edge and detectives feared he may accidentally fall to his death. Detectives Garcia, Lockey and Dr. Troy Rogers worked together as a team throughout the crisis to formulate a plan to keep the male’s attention and divert him away from the edge. This back and forth negotiation continued for over 11 hours. Eventually, the male agreed to go to a secure location on the roof so that he could safely be taken into custody.

 

LIFE SAVING AWARD: OFFICERS MATTHEW GROFF AND MORGAN MCBRAYER

 

On June 19, 2009, Officers Matthew Groff and Morgan McBrayer were dispatched to the intersection of 12th Street and Mountain NW in reference to an individual with a gun-shot wound. Upon arrival, the officers immediately began performing CPR on the individual who was on the ground with two gun-shot wounds to the chest. The officers were able to maintain a faint pulse on the victim, until AFD rescue arrived.

 

MEDAL OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE: OFFICER VICTOR GROSSETETE

 

On September 22, 2009, Officer Victor Grossetete responded to an auto burglary in progress at the J.D. Byrider car dealership, located at 6008 Central Avenue SE. The offender saw Officer Grossetete arrive on scene and discarded his back-pack with stolen items near a dumpster. The offender then walked eastbound on Central Avenue from the car dealership. Officer Grossetete contacted the male who initially was compliant. Suddenly, the offender began running northeast across Central Avenue near the Walgreens. At this time, officer Grossetete deployed his tazer, but was unsuccessful, and the subject continued to run eastbound toward San Pedro Avenue. Without warning, the subject suddenly turned and produced a handgun from a holster in his front waistband. The offender began to fire the handgun at Officer Grossetete. Officer Grossetete immediately transitioned to his firearm and returned fire. The offender then continued to run east across San Pedro and into an alley just north of Linn Avenue. For safety, Officer Grossetete allowed more distance between him and the offender, while still keeping a visual on him. During this entire incident, Officer Grossetete remained calm and directed responding officers to the offender’s location. Shortly thereafter, a perimeter was set and the offender was taken into custody.

MEDAL OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE: DETECTIVE KEVIN SANCHEZ

 

On March 29, 2010, detective Kevin Sanchez responded to the Wal-Mart, located at 2550 Coors Boulevard NW, regarding an armed robbery suspect. As detectives conducted surveillance on the suspect’s vehicle, detective Sanchez decided to enter the Wal-Mart to check for any video of the subject who exited the target vehicle. While he was walking through the parking lot, Detective Sanchez witnessed a Jeep Cherokee drive up to the target vehicle. The male driver exited the Jeep and started the target vehicle. The male then re-entered the Jeep to drive away. Detective Sanchez immediately advised assisting officers that the Jeep and male were involved in the incident. Officers converged on the Jeep and attempted to apprehend the suspect. Upon noticing the police, the suspect immediately began using his vehicle as a weapon. He drove back and forth repeatedly, violently crashing into several vehicles. The suspect’s actions caused an immediate threat of great bodily harm to everyone in the crowded Wal-Mart parking lot. Detective Sanchez recognized this threat and had no choice but to deploy with lethal force. Detective Sanchez fired his hand gun at the suspect and successfully terminated the suspect’s violent assault.

 

MEDAL OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE: OFFICER ANTHONY SIMBALLA

 

On October 13, 2007, Officer Anthony Simballa responded to a priority one domestic violence call at 605 Turquoise Court NE. Officer Simballa arrived first on scene and while waiting for his back up, he observed a female run into the street. As she ran toward Officer Simballa, a male subject walked out of a nearby house armed with a rifle. Officer Simballa immediately drew his firearm and ordered the male subject to drop the rifle. The subject took a combative stance and refused to drop the firearm. At this time, there were numerous citizens in the area attracted to the on-going disturbance. Suddenly, the male subject lowered the barrel of the rifle toward officer Simballa. Fearing for his safety, and the safety of others, Officer Simballa then fired his duty weapon, striking the suspect’s shoulder. The male dropped the rifle, and Officer Simballa immediately requested medical attention for the suspect. Due to Officer Simballa’s courage and bravery, he saved his life and possibly the lives of others.