|
In This Issue...
|
|
911
|
|
|
Capitola Police Lose a Veteran Captain and a Community Service Officer
|
|
|
|
|
Capitola Police Lose a Veteran Captain and a Community Service Officer
By Capitola Police Chief Rick Ehle
On Feb 9, Captain Brian Martin officially retired from the Capitola Police Department after 29 years of dedicated service. Captain Martin’s last day on the job was Friday, Feb. 8. It is rumored he was spirited away from work by admiring staff and taken to the city of Millbrae, where he spent the afternoon racing high performance go-carts and spending quality time with fellow officers, many of whom he has worked with for over 20 years.
Brian started his career with the Capitola Police Department on Jan. 1, 1979 and has served as a police officer, motorcycle officer, sergeant, acting lieutenant and as a captain since his promotion on July 31, 2005. He served as both the administrative division commander and as the field operation commander, finishing up the last year in field operations.
As an acting lieutenant in 2002, he helped develop and implement the city’s Special Event permit program and application process, which streamlined the process for the public in applying for special event permits, such as the Wharf to Wharf Race, Begonia Festival, Art and Wine Festival, etc.
As both the administrative and field operations commander, he helped design and implement the department’s new Animal Services Unit, after the city discontinued its contract with the county’s Animal Services Authority in 2007. Under Captain Martin’s watchful eye the program has been a huge success and has resulted in savings to the city and enhanced service to the community.
Although Brian plans to eventually move to Arizona to join other family members, he and his wife will continue to call Santa Cruz County home for the next year or so.
CSO Bruce Ink Retires
On Jan. 31, Community Service Officer Bruce Ink officially retired after almost 30 years of dedicated service. Bruce started his career with the Capitola Police department on Mar. 6, 1978 as an Animal Warden. In 1991, Bruce was appointed as a Community Service Officer (CSO), in which capacity he served until his retirement earlier this year.
In addition to being a hard working Community Service Officer, Bruce had many hobbies, including a black belt in karate, motorcycle riding, gardening, and as a country and western line dance instructor.
Bruce continues to teach western line dance classes through the Capitola Park and Recreation Department and by special request. Bruce played an instrumental role in the department’s Abandoned Auto Abatement Program, Graffiti Abatement Program and as an Animal Services Officer. Everyone who has worked with him at the police department will sorely miss Bruce.
Capitola PD wishes Brian and Bruce the best of luck and congratulations upon their retirements.
The Beat Must Go On â€" Promotions and Appointments
On Feb. 10, Sergeant Tom Held was promoted to the rank of captain and is replacing Brian Martin at the helm of the field operations division. Tom is a 19-year veteran of the department and holds a bachelors degree and is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy.
Replacing Sergeant Held in the Patrol Division is newly appointed Sergeant Mark Gonzalez. Mark is a 12-year police veteran who previously worked as a Butte County deputy sheriff. Mark joined our department on Mar. 9, 2000 and has served in patrol and most recently as a detective in the Department Investigative Service Unit.
Mark has worked many high profile investigations and is a police instructor, range master and subject matter expert in numerous police subjects.
On Feb. 10, Christian Thompson was appointed to the position of police officer with the department. Previously, Chris served with the department as a reserve police officer since his graduation from the police academy in August 2007.
Chris is also the President of the Capitola Public Safety & Community Service Foundation and is one of the founding members of the non-profit corporation serving the citizens of Capitola.
Congratulations and best wishes to Tom, Mark and Chris.
As always, I can be reached by telephone at 831-475-4242, extension 213, or by e-mail at: rehle@ci.capitola.ca.us.
|
