On Oct. 17, the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Foundation hosted an awards luncheon for the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department at the Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center.
I spoke to Det. Sgt. Harold Hoyt (Ret.) on today’s policing and policies. Without hesitation he brought up the Flock Safety license plate readers. “Flock cameras are…probably one of the best recognition tools to reduce crime—and prevent crimes, as they alert officers where questionable vehicles are,” he said.
Chief Jamie Field kicked things off by discussing how appreciative the department was for the JCC opening up this well-equipped auditorium.
Special Recognition
Dick’s Community Towing Campbell and Santa Clara County Fire Department Capt. Peter Tooby were both selected for this award. Dick’s Towing has been on the department’s rotational list for many years. Steve Sgarlato accepted this award—with his daughter Megan. This past year after a medical emergency tow, a wheelchair became separated from his chair. Dick’s worked with the department to locate the chair, which had been re-appropriated to a homeless camp. It was returned to a grateful owner.
Captain Tooby assisted with a collaborative approach in an incident with an active shooter that involved possible fire danger to a neighborhood.
Murder Case
Over lunch, Chief Field spoke about a murder investigation the department conducted early this year. A wife had filed for divorce, but it hadn’t been finalized. A neighbor’s security camera system captured the couple scuffling outside the house and the woman being escorted back inside by her husband.
Days later, when she did not show up for work, the department got involved.
Detectives Michael Birley and Riley Frizzell were commended for their efforts to bring the suspect, John Maxey Yeager—who they say confessed to the murder—to justice.
Yeager has another plea hearing scheduled for next month.
The Citizen Award
This went to Buzz Johnson, who since 2004 has been the lead of the Community Emergency Response Team. Police say his dedication and knowledge over the years has been priceless.
Civic Achievement Awards
The Volunteers in Policing Award went to Ursula Spratz, Patrick Dirks, Nigel Coleman and Peter Hertan. Spratz, a 20-year volunteer who works with Jackie Rose, the Town’s community outreach coordinator, accepted the award for these recipients.
Det. Frizzell was awarded for working with the unhoused—showing compassion, empathy and a willingness to serve as a liaison to these community members. On most Tuesdays, Frizzell may be found at St Luke’s Episcopal Church, becoming a familiar positive face to people facing housing insecurity and suggesting helpful resources.
Sgt. Greg Borremo was honored for his commitment to educating and training community members. Borremo attended a counterterrorism skills program, liaised with the fire department and implemented plans for drills. He’s also an unmanned aerial system (drone) pilot.
By the way, the purchase of the UAS drone in 2022 was almost entirely funded by LGMSPF.
Two years ago, funding was scarce for this innovative concept of policing.
MERIT AWARDS
Det. Mike Burley, has been involved in training officers to handle dynamic situations where a SWAT team may be needed. He’s also a drone pilot.
Officer Nathan Delia, another drone pilot, used the tool to monitor an agitated individual who was waving around a machete—and reportedly using a paintball gun to shoot out solar panels. This suspect even tried to shoot down the drone with that firearm.
Delia was able to maneuver the remote-controlled aerial vehicle away from the projectiles and coordinate a successful response.
Delia is also the handler of Drake, the newest K9 recruit—who’s been trained in explosive detection and tracking.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
POLICE COMMENDATION
Kiet Nong received this award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving, for conducting the greatest number of driving-under-the-influence arrests in a one-year period. “He has a diligent work ethic and heightened awareness for impaired drivers,” Field said.
Shannon Lombardo is someone who analyzes and reviews safety plans with Town departments and service clubs. The department finds this a particularly important role, given all the new mandates handed down by the State.
Kalipo Kauweloa assisted with the logistics of multiple high-profile visits to our community this past year. The president, the first lady and the vice president all recently visited our community without incident. Kauweloa also assists in the hiring of new cops.
Anthony Gotelli’s award came thanks to a letter from a citizen who expressed their extreme gratitude for assistance rendered to them and their family—in particular for his sensitivity in handling the situation.
“While we cannot acknowledge the detailed work each of you do, you are all appreciated,” Field said. “Today is an opportunity to express that appreciation.”
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
The DA and the mayor
Jeff Rosen noted that often the work of local law enforcers goes unnoticed.
“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.
Mayor Mary Badame closed the ceremony saying, “We are stronger and safer together.”
Jonathan Knowles, president of the LGMSPF, said the community’s support has been invaluable.
“The Foundation provides the means to maintain a high quality of life in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno,” he said. “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.”
