EMPLOYEE OF THE SEMESTER • FALL 2005
YOLANDA CASTRO
For the past several years, Yolanda Castro has very diligently worked with representatives of the T-2 (Parking Program Vendor) and Weldon, Williams and Lick (Permit Vendor) to update several of our Parking processes. Her work has included setting up our on-line permit sales, on-line cite review capabilities and updating our computer systems to better track permit sales. She pushed for hand-held devices for citations so that information is downloaded quickly and accurately to the Parking computers. All of this automation has made working in Parking Services easier and allows for better auditing and Customer Service.
STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE SEMESTER • FALL 2005
CALVIN LEE
He has been invaluable to Captain Coker in his dual role as Operations Commander and EOC Director. Calvin has organized the Building Emergency Team meetings, monthly radio checks, CERT program, and day-to-day operations in the EOC.
On Saturday, August 6th, SJSU hosted the county-wide Emergency Preparedness training. Calvin was very instrumental in organizing all the aspects of this activity - no small task. He not only organized the logistics for the activity but took care of expediting most of the logistics to make this one of the most successful events this organization has ever had. This included setting up tents, securing rooms for meetings, moulage, demonstration areas and setting up the "scenario" for the event. When I needed "victims" for moulage, he gathered up several students and made them available for me to make up.
Calvin has become an asset not only to the EOC program but also to the Police Department at large. He is one of our cadets and has been very active in that program, whenever I need help with moving something or lifting something heavy, he never hesitates to help. He has proven to be an outstanding example for "above and beyond" the call of duty employee for the UPD.
2005 EMPLOYEE OF THE SPRING SEMESTER
MANUEL AGUAYO
For taking initiative to follow up on an open auto burglary case with outstanding suspects. Suspects were apprehended and stolen property recovered from suspects’ homes.
He has not only cracked some auto burgs but has also taken on the responsibility of Cadet hiring, training and staffing. He come into work at a moments notice to help in any way needed. He has helped me over the last three years learn how to do my job better. He is always available to answer all my questions. He loves UPD and it shows in his work.
2005 STUDENT EMPLOYEE OF THE SEMESTER
TONY LEE
For being an awesome co-worker and being one of the few people who are always there when he is needed. He has numerous times gone above and beyond to help with Parking Services and Dispatch as well as where ever else he is needed.
CHIEF’S CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
JUSTIN CELANO
For making arrangements to meet with a UPD volunteer assistant who was having difficulties at the Police Academy. On Justin’s own time he helped him improve his firearms skills. He also drove from a POST class in Sacramento to San Jose on another occasion to work with the Cadet on the weekend. Officer Celano took it upon himself to help one of our volunteer student assistants on his own time without any request for recognition or compensation.
MANUEL LEDESMA
For his quick response to an unidentified alarm which was going off on the fifth floor of the King Library just as the library was closing. He came upstairs and thoroughly search each room in the Special Collections area until he discovered that there was a box slightly depressing one of the alarm buttons in one of the vaults. Officer Ledesma was identified as a “first rate and very valuable” officer by a patrol of the library.
For his assistance of another LSO contacting Dispatch which lead to the arrest of three people for drugs.
For calming a scared and combative developmentally-disabled person who was being placed on a 5150 hold.
AZZAM QAWASMI
For going out of his way (immediately) to provide a shuttle bus to the airport at the last minute even though he was working on a time-sensitive project.
For always going above and beyond when an important “need” arises. He never complains and always smiles and says “I will take care of that for you…”
FRITZ VANDERHOEK
For his work developing the PELCO CCTV System. His efforts now allow the MLK Security Control staff to monitor a number of different cameras with just a push of a button.
DALIA VELEZ
For contacting a disruptive patron of the MLK library and calling for Police Assistance which resulted in the patron’s arrest for weapons.
For handling a stressful medical aid by controlling bystanders and keeping the area clear for Fire Staff.
Additional information on Manuel Ledesma and Dalia Velez. For their response to a young woman who was bleeding from her wrists and abdomen. Although they were off-duty and walking toward their cars, they contacted Dispatch from a safe distance as the female went into the Jack-In-The-Box restaurant. They assisted the responding officers by pointing out the woman and warning them that she had a knife. He then assisted the first officer who disarmed the woman and recovered the knife and the woman’s purse with her identification. Ledesma also secured the police car which was a half block away. The LSOs’ actions resulted in the preservation of life and enabled the woman to get the proper medical attention.
2004 WINTER EMPLOYEE OF THE SEMESTER
DANIEL VALENCIA
Daniel took it upon himself to create a computer file of photos (suspect) and graffiti. He also has added numerous forms in the computer to make officer report writing easier.
Daniel also set up a digital camera and scanner at the MLK to make the easier for security officers at the Library.
He also took pictures of “regulars” at MLK to be sent to Thy Ung to let him know he was missed. |
