HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 2001-12-17SRCC MINUTES (Special) 12/17/2001 Page 1
IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2001 AT 6:00 PM
Special Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Also Present: Rod Gould, City Manager
Gary T. Ragghianti, City Attorney
Jeanne M. Leoncini, City Clerk
Present: Albert J. Boro, Mayor
Cyr N. Miller, Vice -Mayor
Paul M. Cohen, Councilmember
Barbara Heller, Councilmember
Gary O. Phillips, Councilmember
Absent: None
PRESENTATION OF POLICE AWARDS (PD) — FILE 9-3-30
Police Chief Michael Cronin stated he was very proud to bring together a very select group of people from
the San Rafael Police Department, deserving of special recognition for performance in the last year. He
indicated that Captain John Rohrbacher and Captain Tom Boyd would read individual citations and
present the awards.
Captains Rohrbacher and Boyd read the citations and presented the awards as follows:
Chief's Commendation:
Communications Dispatcher Lynette M. Keller (unable to attend) participated in or organized a number
of important projects in the last few years, in addition to serving as a permanent part-time Communications
Dispatcher. Dispatcher Keller is involved in the San Rafael Police Department Citizen's Police Academy
as an instructor and teaches in the basic Dispatcher Course at the Santa Rosa Training Center. She
teaches the use of 9-1-1 to children at the Law Enforcement booth at the Marin County Fair and the
Community Outreach Programs at the Northgate Mall. Dispatcher Keller is one of the Communications
Training Officers, teaching new Dispatchers at the San Rafael Police Department. She is involved with
the CAD, Computer Aided Dispatch, mobile computing project and offered positive suggestions during the
Communications Center remodel project. In addition, she is a member of the Department's Speakers
Bureau, representing the Department at public or private meetings. Her efforts in all of these activities
have enhanced the Department's image and enhanced its professional reputation. Dispatcher Keller is to
be commended for her exceptional abilities, skills, professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm, all of which
were in keeping with the highest standards of the law enforcement profession.
Communications Dispatcher Katherine O. Cronin, part-time, has been involved in every aspect of the
Department's attempts to upgrade the communications system for almost the last decade. Dispatcher
Cronin has been a member of the San Rafael Police Department's radio replacement committee since
1993 and has also served on the Marin Emergency Radio Authority Committee (MERA), representing the
San Rafael Police Department. She was enlisted to be a significant part of the MERA countywide group
after the decision was made to join forces with the rest of the County's public agencies, seeking to
improve countywide radio service. Dispatcher Cronin learned special skills to understand the language of
the radio industry and traveled to Florida and Chicago with the MERA Committee to observe other radio
systems. Her dedication and commitment to this project were evident by the sacrifices she made to stay
involved over the last several years. Dispatcher Cronin is to be commended for her exceptional abilities,
skills, professionalism and expertise, all of which were in keeping with the highest standards of the law
enforcement profession.
Communications Dispatcher Kathleen B. Wata was the on -duty Dispatcher on January 21, 2001 during
the early morning shooting attack on Officers Jill Cingolani and Rick Clary. She remained calm under
extreme pressure in an exceptional situation. She maintained radio contact with San Rafael Patrol
Officers from the moment the incident started; she requested, organized and tracked immediate response
units from throughout Marin County. Dispatcher Wata efficiently handled all requests from Officers, in
addition to fielding and responding to numerous telephone calls from allied agencies. She simultaneously
made telephone calls requesting off-duty SRPD personnel to respond and separately tracked those
telephone calls and responses. Dispatcher Wata is to be commended for her exceptional abilities, skills,
professionalism and expertise, all of which were in keeping with the highest standards of the law
enforcement profession.
Corporal Michael J. Vergara was the night shift patrol supervisor on January 21, 2001 during the early
morning shooting attack on Officers Jill Cingolani and Rick Clary. Corporal Vergara initiated the act of
shooter protocol while directing several Police Officers from other jurisdictions to tactical positions. He
gained control of a chaotic scene, thus protecting the lives of responding officers, as well as citizens of the
San Rafael Community. Having gained control of the scene and passing command to superior officers,
Corporal Vergara assumed the role of SRPD SWAT team leader. He led the team to the area where the
suspect had last been seen, confirmed the location of the deceased suspect and determined that no
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further threat existed. Corporal Vergara is to commended for his leadership, professionalism and
dedication, all of which were in keeping with the highest standards of the law enforcement profession
Unit Conduct Citations:
The Unit Conduct Citation was awarded to Sergeant Jeffrey S. Franzini, Corporal Harry R. Barbier,
Corporal Michael R. Miller, Corporal David A. Starnes, Corporal Raffaello A. Pata and Officer John
A. McDonald for exhibiting continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication beyond that normally
expected to duty, that significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. During the
calendar year 2001, the entire San Rafael Police Investigations Unit investigated several attempted and
completed homicides, along with an increase of other serious crime cases. Their ability and willingness to
work as a team to handle these types of cases allowed them to identify the offenders and conclude most
of the cases within a short amount of time. This occurred in a year when the staffing levels in
investigations were low, which resulted in fewer detectives to share the workload. The San Rafael Police
Department gratefully acknowledges all of their professional performance during this time.
Unit Conduct Citations were presented to Beat One Patrol Team members Corporal Charles W. Metcalf,
Corporal Daniel E. Hanlon, Officer Jill M. Cingolani (not in attendance) and Officer Dennis M. Prince
for exhibiting continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication beyond that normally expected to
duty, which significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. All four Unit Conduct
Citations were individualized, one being read this evening as an example: From September 15, 2000
through March 15, 2001, Corporal Metcalf was assigned to the Beat One Patrol Team. During this
assignment, Corporal Metcalf established the Beat One e-mail site, closed seven assigned projects and
received numerous commendations from community organizations. These actions are consistent with
meeting the community oriented policing and social problem solving goals of the City Council. The San
Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Corporal Metcalf's, Corporal Hanlon's, Officer Prince's
and Officer Cingolani's professional performance during this time period.
Meritorious Conduct Citations:
The Meritorious Conduct Citation was awarded to Margaret M. Johnson, Parking Enforcement Officer, for
exhibiting continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty,
which significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Officer Johnson is the
Parking Enforcement Officer assigned to the Department's Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program. She
recognizes the importance of timely and effective enforcement and abating vehicles which remain parked
on city streets in violation of the law. She keeps the streets of San Rafael free of abandoned vehicles,
which take up valuable parking spaces. Officer Johnson is experienced and knowledgeable in both the
law and in the make-up of the City's many neighborhoods. She also approaches her job with a sense of
compassion and fairness. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Officer Johnson's
professional performance during this time.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Michael W. Augustus, Police Officer, for
exhibiting continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication towards the recovery of stolen
automobiles. Officer Augustus' actions went beyond that normally expected, which significantly enhanced
the accomplishment of the Department's mission. From March of 2001 through December 7, 2001, Officer
Augustus recovered several stolen automobiles with a value of approximately $200,000. Officer Augustus
arrested at least eight people, some of whom were gang members, professional auto thieves or individuals
who led him on pursuits. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Officer Augustus'
dedication and professional performance during this time period.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Officer Joel Fay for exhibiting continuous
professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty, that significantly
enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Officer Fay has been the Psychological
Services Liaison Officer for the San Rafael Police Department since March of 2000. He has forged
community partnerships with public and private agencies which have lowered calls for service in crimes
related to mentally ill and homeless populations. His efforts have resulted in a marked improvement in the
general quality of life for the downtown community and the welfare of the mentally ill and chemically
dependent citizens. He has also been instrumental in furthering the department's goal of community
based policing. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Officer Fay's professional
performance during this time.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Corporal Raffaello A. Pata for exhibiting
continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty, which
significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. On March 29, 2001, Corporal
Pata was assigned to an identity theft case. Corporal Pata used his initiative and the next nine months to
bring the case to a closure, with six suspects tried and convicted. Corporal Pata spent hundreds of hours,
obtained numerous search warrants, identified over five hundred victims, recovered property and amassed
over three thousand pages of documentation. Corporal Pata's exceptional abilities and professional
dedication allowed for a successful prosecution. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully
acknowledges Corporal Pata's professional performance in this case.
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The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Corporal David A. Starnes for exhibiting
continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty that
significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Over the last few years,
Corporal Starnes has been assigned as the juvenile sexual assault detective. He has been responsible
for working hundreds of cases, working with Child Protective Services and Rape Crisis on the County's
sexual assault response team and developing and maintaining the Department's sexual offender tracking
program. Corporal Starnes is an expert child forensic interviewer and is regularly called to the Jeannette
Prandi Center to conduct sensitive child interviews. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully
acknowledges Corporal Starnes' professional performance in his assignment.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Corporal Michael R. Miller for exhibiting
continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty that
significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. On December 30, 2000,
Corporal Miller was assigned to investigate the brutal attack and attempted murder of Alejandra Huerta by
her father, Sergio Huerta. Corporal Miller's high level of professionalism and dedication helped the
Department identify and locate the perpetrator and prepare the case for trial. Corporal Miller's exceptional
abilities and true compassion helped the victim deal with the situation and allow for a successful
prosecution. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Corporal Miller's professional
performance in this case.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Corporal Harry R. Barbier for exhibiting
continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty that
significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Over the last few years,
Corporal Barbier has been assigned as the School Resource Officer. He has had a profound influence
and affect on the kids and the schools. Corporal Barbier is one of the most respected and honored
Officers in the Department. In addition to his regular duties, he has been instrumental in the development
of the school lock down procedures, the Department's assessment procedures and the current countywide
policy on police intervention with student suspects on school grounds. The San Rafael Police Department
gratefully acknowledges Corporal Barbier's professional performance during this time.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Detective Sergeant Jeffrey S. Franzini for
exhibiting continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty
that significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Since September, 2000,
Sergeant Franzini has been the supervisor of the San Rafael Police Department Investigations Unit.
Through his leadership and supervision, he is responsible for taking qualified and competent detectives
and having them work as a team rather than as a group of individuals. The success of the Investigations
Unit is a direct result of Sergeant Franzini's skills, knowledge, abilities and attention to detail, applied over
an extended time. He is truly a high performance supervisor on a routine basis. The San Rafael Police
Department gratefully acknowledges Sergeant Franzini's professional performance during this time.
The Meritorious Conduct Citation has been awarded to Supervisor Margo M. Rohrbacher for exhibiting
continuous professional expertise, skill and dedication, beyond that normally expected to duty that
significantly enhanced the accomplishment of the Department's mission. Since June, 1990, Supervisor
Rohrbacher has served as the San Rafael Police Department's Public Information Officer, in conjunction
with her assignment as the Records Supervisor. She works closely with the Investigations Unit on major
cases and has developed into a valuable resource for the Detectives. Her efforts are always focused on
the Department's policy to conduct its activities in an atmosphere of openness in its relationship with the
public and the news media. Supervisor Rohrbacher has received recognition from members of the
television and print media, thanking her for making their job the easiest it can be. The San Rafael Police
Department gratefully acknowledges Supervisor Rohrbacher's professional performance during this time.
Silver Medal of Valor:
The Silver Medal of Valor has been awarded to Jill M. Cingolani, Police Officer, for manifesting
outstanding bravery, above and beyond that expected in the line of duty, assisting the Department in the
furtherance of its mission. On January 21, 2001, a Ione rifleman fired upon Officer Cingolani. The bullet
narrowly missed Officer Cingolani and damaged her patrol vehicle. Officer Cingolani gave immediate
chase while broadcasting the suspect's location. Officer Cingolani continued to follow the rifleman, during
which time he again fired at her several times. She took a tactical position and warned responding officers
of the suspect's location. Officer Cingolani clearly risked her life, knowing that other officers and citizenry
were in clear danger. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges Officer Cingolani's act
of valor and professional performance during this incident. (Officer Cingolani was not in attendance.)
Gold Medal of Valor:
The Gold Medal of Valor has been awarded to Richard M. Clary, Police Corporal, for exhibiting
outstanding bravery, above and beyond that expected in the line of duty, assisting the Department in the
furtherance of its mission. On January 21, 2001, Officer Clary responded to the aid of Officer Jill Cingolani
who had been shot at by a Ione gunman. Officer Clary located the gunman and was fired upon several
times. He engaged the suspect in a mutual firefight in which the suspect received a fatal injury. Officer
Clary risked his life with full and unquestioned knowledge that Officer Cingolani's life and those lives of the
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citizenry of San Rafael were in clear danger. The San Rafael Police Department gratefully acknowledges
Officer Clary's act of valor and professional performance during this incident.
Concluding the awards ceremony, Police Chief Cronin thanked all those in attendance for supporting the
other members of the Police Department. He acknowledged that the work carried out in the past year was
truly extraordinary and expressed his personal appreciation as Chief of Police. Chief Cronin also
expressed appreciation on behalf of all for the support of the City Council and City Manager.
Mayor Boro stated that this was truly a time to be proud. He indicated that the City Council, staff and
citizens of San Rafael were proud of the accomplishments of all honorees this past year. To those who
had not been recognized this evening, Mayor Boro noted that day in and day out, the San Rafael Police
Department does an outstanding job. He expressed his pleasure at attending the swearing-in of new
Police Officers and being present on an occasion such as this evening's, knowing the City of San Rafael is
in such good hands. On behalf of the City Council, Mayor Boro expressed gratitude for the great job done
by the Police Department on behalf of the community.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. to a reception in the lobby at
City Hall.
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS DAY OF 2002
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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