On Oct. 22, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation (LGMSPF) hosted an afternoon of recognition and acknowledgement for our Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department (LGMSPD). The event was held at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center auditorium with Los Gatos Meats & Smoke House providing the lunch buffet.
The annual Recognition Luncheon is a gathering that brings together sworn and professional members of the LGMSPD to be acknowledged for their work and achievements. This year LGMSPF even presented a new award.
The Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department is celebrating 100 years of service. In 1926, the first police department was organized in Los Gatos. In 1932 the department consisted of a chief and two officers. The officers individually were required to buy their own weapons and ammunition, along with their vehicles. Today, there are 39 sworn officers, 20 civilian employees and 150 active volunteers.
The LGMSPF is an independent, non-profit organization that raises private supplemental funds to maintain our quality of life with low crime rates. It puts on three main events every year. These create a platform to note the dedication, diligence and community contributions of Department officials and supporters in a public forum with dignitaries and residents in attendance. Los Gatos Morning Rotary provided logistics and planning.
The head of the Foundation, Jonathan Knowles, kicked things off by explaining what they do and noting anyone can join the foundation. “Please enjoy this uplifting afternoon,” he said. “We hope it offers a deeper glimpse into the courage, innovation and service that our police department offers every day here and in Monte Sereno.”
Chief Field believes public safety works best when the community has a real stake in it, he continued. “In the Foundation, we gathered a group of residents and business owners to build that bridge,” he said, thinking back to their origins a quarter-century ago. “None of us knew exactly what it would become, but we did know that in a town like ours, that we could do more than simply be served by its police department. We could partner in it. In California, body cameras were needed for its officers, and the foundation funded them. We assisted with specialised training, and when the Department wanted to build trust, the foundation was there to help get them started.” he concluded.
The inaugural LGMSPF award was given to Det. Riley Frizzell. Knowles said Frizzell had “made a lasting impact on our Department through his investigative work and willingness to take on responsibilities well beyond his caseload. Frizzell investigates fraud, financial crimes and scams targeting our residents. His persistence and partnerships with other agencies have led to arrests, recovered funds and prevented losses. In one recent case, Frizzell’s quick action prevented a business from losing six figures to fraud, helping to preserve the owner’s livelihood.” He’s also a drone pilot first responder. Knowles added, “Frizzell consistently steps up. We are grateful for his initiative, dedication and service. The first LGMSPF award goes to him.”
In his speech, Jeffrey Rosen, the Santa Clara County district attorney, said so much of law enforcement’s efforts go unreported—or even ignored. “But I see it; my prosecutors see it; the DA’s office sees it; Chief Jamie Field sees it; and a few citizen fans of this department do realize how professionally excellent it is,” he said. Rosen mentioned the Saratoga issue of joining LGMSPD. Saratoga just voted down the option of joining our department, and are going to continue using the Sheriff’s protection there, at least for the time being. This issue was not mentioned further, nor was license-plate-reading- or Ring cameras, catalytic converters or flash-bang grenades.
Rosen took the time to highlight the great work that gets done by detectives in Los Gatos-Monte Sereno who “methodically and unrelenting follow leads, no matter how many there are. This kind of unstoppable investigation is what leads to rock-solid cases and prosecutions, making it such a place to live and to raise a family. That is the work that matters the most.”
The DA said that our department is “admired” beyond the borders of this “beautiful” mountain locale. “That is why today is so special and so important,” he said. “Today is the day that we just want to say, Thank you-thank you so much.’”
Former mayor and supervisor Mike Wasserman helped to present this year’s awards. “When I think about the police foundation and I think about the police department, I think, What great team we make. And as a former coach, I appreciate teams, including the 49ers, Warriors and other local teams.” He called Knowles a “genius” who is also modest. “We are so lucky to have him for 25 consecutive years being president of the Foundation. Also thanks to Sue (Farwell), Ginger (McDonald) and Megan (Shea). Thank you all for your many years on the foundation.”
Mayor Rob Moore spoke briefly about the honor of being mayor. Chief Jamie Field began the awards portion of the ceremony by mentioning how appreciative the department was for the Jewish Community Center opening up this well-equipped auditorium to them. She also noted that the support of LGMSPF is appreciated by LGMSPD.
“Thank you for joining us in honoring those who serve with courage and distinction, and for walking beside us as we build a safe and connected future,” Chief Field said.
The stories of investigative efforts—and even heroic ones—were shared onstage as the individuals were recognized.
Special Recognition
Steve Swanson
Evan Abate, Disaster Response Team (DART)
Matthew Torio – AT&T 9-1-1
Sal Kim and the Town of Los Gatos IT Department
Steve Souza, Jerett Blaskey – Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department
Officer Nathan “Nate” Delia, Det. Riley Frizzell
Meritorious Conduct Award
Lead Dispatcher Christine Crosson
Dispatcher Allison Morton
Cpl. Manuel Respicio
Officer Christopher D’Anza
MADD Centennial Award (DUI arrests)
Officer Kiet Nong
Police Commendation Award
Officer Andrew Demont
Officer Jordan Martin
Det. Jonathan Reys
Merit Award
Reserve Officer Ryan Cronin
Officer Israel Velasquez
Featured Recognition
Merit Award
Detective Heather Murphy
Citizens Award
Kalid Nuru
This event, as well as other LGMSPF events, speak to the value of keeping communication open between the community and the police force. Other communities want to learn about the successful partnership here in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. The event brochure mentions, “You have built strong ties between our community members and the public safety officials that protect and serve them.” And the Foundation is doing this. It raises funds for the department to keep current.
“Your participation and donations are critical to our many outstanding programs,” Knowles said. “The Foundation provides the means to maintain a high quality of life in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. The Foundation helps envision and enable world-class, efficient and equitable practices and services that promote public safety and serve as a model to other communities nationwide.” In true Silicon Valley style, we have led other police forces to adopt newer high-tech techniques in law enforcement.
“While we cannot acknowledge the detailed work each of you do, you are all appreciated,” Chief Field said. “And today is an opportunity to express that appreciation through a nice lunch.”
Would you like the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and serve your community? If this interests you, contact Community Outreach Coordinator Jackie Rose: Jr***@********ca.gov
