2024 Salute to Public Safety

Officer Singh started his career with the Department in 2010 as a Patrol Officer. He was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Bureau in 2021 as an Investigator. Officer Singh is an exceptional investigator who has worked homicide investigations, disrupting and dismantling organized theft and burglary rings, and solving complex felony cases. Saj is known as the “go-to” investigator for complex investigations. His commitment to solving crimes and keeping Chino a safe community is unmatched. Saj is proficient in cutting edge technology and has become an expert in monitoring trackers, cell phone analysis, and license plate readers. He uses this expertise to coordinate with the patrol division to quickly solve crimes. Saj’s ancillary assignments include the Crisis Intervention Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He is also a Field Training Officer. Throughout his career, Saj has received three Excellence Awards and a Unit Citation. For his work ethic, tenacity, persistence and dedication, Officer Singh is being recognized as the Chino Police Department Officer of the Year.

Hector Hernandez

Community Relations Specialist Professional

Staff Member of the Year, Chino Police Department

Hector started his career with the Department in 2021 as a Community Relations Specialist. Hector is always ready and prepared to accept new projects. He has expanded the Spanish Community Academy and has become a certified LISTOS instructor. This year, Hector collaborated with the School Resource Officers to present Students Against Drunk Driving at Chino High School. CRS Hernandez did an impressive job in the production of the videos presented and was instrumental in the success of the program. He has produced hundreds of videos for the Department’s social media content, increasing the Department’s reach by 13,000 followers in under 6 months. Hector has earned a Unit Citation and Chief’s Commendation, and he was selected as the Professional Staff Member of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter of 2023. For his work ethic and dedication, Community Relations Specialist Hector Hernandez is being recognized as the Chino Police Department Professional Staff Member of the Year.

Deputy

Deputy of the Year, Chino Hills Police/ Sheriff’s Department

Cashonda Reid

Office Specialist

Employee of the Year, Chino Hills Police/ Sheriff’s Department

Cashonda Reid was assigned to Chino Hills in May 2022 and acclimated quickly. Cassie’s smile and enthusiasm brighten the day of each civilian coming into our lobby and employees in the office. She has spent the past few years positively impacting our station and its employees. Over the past year, Cassie worked tirelessly to ensure all reported crimes were documented, sent to the district attorney’s office, and handled appropriately. Her tremendous work ethic is an invaluable asset to the station. Cassie helped to implement a system, which ensured that Chino Hills would meet statistical goals. Cassie consistently searches for opportunities to improve and enhance office procedures. Due to staffing shortages, Cassie volunteered to assist with responsibilities assigned to others and work overtime when needed. She is quick to help her peers, deputies, and supervisors. Cassie’s positive attitude is contagious around the station. She is a joy to be around. She was recently commended by a Chino Hills resident, who entered the station to report a crime. Cassie was described as pleasant, attentive, and pleasant to speak with. When she is not at the Chino Hills Station, she enjoys spending time with her son, Amir, and training her new puppy.

Mark Garcia

Sergeant

Employee of the Year, California Institution for Women

He began his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at the Basic Correctional Training Academy on July 16, 1994. He then reported to Calipatria State prison on August 29, 1994. He transferred to the California Institution for Men (CIM) on July 29, 2002, and promoted to the classification of a Correctional Sergeant at CIM on October 22, 2007. He then transferred to the California Institution for Women on July 23, 2012. He is currently assigned as the In-Service Training Department Assistant Manager. In his time working as the In-Service Training Assistant Manager, he has met and exceed the increased demand of the Department’s vision to provide meaningful training to all classifications of CDCR employees. There are many challenges in providing training to staff such as scheduling, tracking, instructing, and remaining motivated and engaged as departmental policies and procedures constantly change. His professionalism, willingness to learn and passion to share his knowledge and expertise has benefited your subordinates, peers, supervisors, managers and many more employee entities throughout the Southern Region of CDCR. Over the past twenty-nine years he has witnessed many changes in the department to which he has adapted to with ease. Currently, the Department is transiting to the “California Model” in which he has committed to investing in by taking the lead and reassuring staff, there is a way to conform to the idea of a safer and secure CDCR. Regardless of the demands of the office he is always willing to help or train staff while completing his own daily responsibilities. He is invaluable as a supervisor to subordinate staff and co-workers.

Warden (A)

Administrator of the Year, California Institution for Women

Dirk Williams began his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in October 1997, as a Correctional Officer at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, California. He promoted to Correctional Sergeant in 2000 at The California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino, California. In 2004, Mr. Williams was promoted to Correctional Lieutenant at CIM, where he held several different positions to include Investigative Services Unit – Institutional Gang Investigator and Public Information Officer. In 2017, he promoted to Correctional Captain, again at CIM. He promoted to Associate Warden in 2021 at The California Rehabilitation Center in Norco, California and was appointed Chief Deputy Warden at the California Institution for Women in February 2023. In December 2023, was elevated to acting Warden of CIW.

Arturo Perez

Correctional Officer

Employee of the Year, California Institution for Men

Officer Perez began his career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in March of 2016 where he attended Richard A Mc Gee Correctional Training Center. Once successfully the academy, Officer Perez was assigned to the California Institution for Men (CIM) where he worked various positions within the institution and is currently assigned Receiving and Release. Over the years Officer Perez has served as Vice President of the Chino Valley Employees’ Association. He also serves in the Departments Recruitment Team and Peer Support Team. His attention to detail and hard work have always made him an asset to his supervisors and peers here at CIM as well as the Chino Community. Officer Perez dedicated countless hours of his personal time and has built a strong relationship with the Chino Valley Unified School District’s HOPE Program and often assists with fundraising events to benefit their CARE Closets throughout the district. Officer Perez is committed to his family, the California Institution for Men, and the community he works in. Officer Perez is a true testament to his character.

Carmen Jimenez

Associate Governmental Program Analyst

Employee of the Year, California Institution for Men

Donna Rohrer

Administrative Assistant

Employee of the Year, Chino Valley Fire District

Donna Rohrer has an unwavering commitment to The Fire District and public service. She started her tenure with the Fire District on May 16, 2015, as a part-time Office Technician and transitioned to full-time Administrative Assistant on April 9, 2022. Donna was selected as the Fire District’s employee of the year because of her exceptional service to the District and to its employees. She showcases her commitment to the District’s values of Faithfulness, Integrity, Respect and Excellence in everything she does. Donna is always willing to go above and beyond her duties and readily assists her colleagues whenever assistance is needed.

Ethan Sanders

Engineer

Firefighter of the Year, Chino Valley Fire District

Ethan Sanders began his career with the Fire District as a firefighter/paramedic on July 25, 2011, and was promoted to Engineer on March 27, 2021. Ethan received overwhelming support from his colleagues for the nomination of firefighter of the year. He has continually demonstrated his tremendous work ethic and commitment to the communities we serve in everything he does. Ethan serves in many capacities including Urban Search and Rescue Coordinator and CERT coordinator. He also serves as an E-Board member, safety and clothing committee member, and lead for wildland Personal Protective Equipment. In addition to these assignments, Ethan helps during many off-duty activities that directly benefit the many community programs supported by the Chino Valley Fire Foundation.