SPD Blotter » Harbor

Thank you for an Evening of Hope

John Diaz, Chief of Police — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:18:01 +0000

On Saturday night I had the privilege of attending the Seattle Hotel Association’s Evening of Hope Gala and Auction. The designated beneficiary for the event was our very own Seattle Police Foundation. The honorees for the event were none other than my friends Gil Kerlikowske and Anna Laszlo. As you undoubtedly remember, Gil was my predecessor as Chief of Police for the Seattle Police Department – he continues to serve our country as the “Drug Czar”, the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. Anna can best be remembered for her work on the 5^th Avenue Theatre Board and for spearheading our “West Side Story Project”, a collaborative effort between the Seattle Police Foundation, The 5^th Avenue Theatre, the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools to talk about and counter youth gang violence. The designated beneficiary for the event was our very own Seattle Police Foundation.

With the theme, “Heroes Among Us”, the gala paid a fitting tribute to the men and women of the Seattle Police Department who protect our city every day and night. Joining me at the event were Officers Joe Cepeda and Ryan Gallagher of Seattle Police Pipes and Drums, Detective Kim Bogucki of the “If Project”, Sergeant Kevin Grossman, Hostage Negotiator and Professional Standards supervisor and Sergeant Sean Whitcomb of Public Affairs. They are just a select few of the heroes that have dedicated themselves to a career of public service – our department consists of hundreds of men and women just like them. In fact, a number of department members – sworn and civilian, uniformed and plain-clothes – volunteered their time to attend this amazing event to ensure its success.

This event would not have been possible without the tireless effort of the members of the Seattle Hotel Association and Seattle Hotel Association President Howard Cohen. I cannot begin to express the immense gratitude that I have for Howard, his board and those that worked closely with them to support their efforts.

For the Seattle Police Foundation to have been selected as a beneficiary of the Seattle Hotel Association’s “Evening of Hope” fundraiser is truly an honor. It is a great benefit to the Seattle Police Department and the communities that we serve. Since 2002, the Seattle Police Foundation has raised more than five million dollars. That money has been invested in community partnerships, employee development and specialized equipment and technology for our officers. Many of you probably aren’t aware that department units like SWAT, CSI, Victim Support Team, K-9, and Patrol Operations are regular recipients of bi-annual grants funded by the Seattle Police Foundation. Our Picnic in the Precinct program wouldn’t be possible without the Foundation and let’s not forget the horses! In 2011, the Seattle Police Foundation stepped in to conduct a fundraising campaign to preserve our historic Mounted Patrol Unit, some of the most visible and beloved members of our department.

The work behind this year’s Evening of Hope has clearly been rewarded. The Seattle Hotel Association successfully raised over $400,000. Clearly, there is no shortage of generosity and goodwill in our community!

As Chief of Police and on behalf of the men and women of the Seattle Police Department, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to those who sponsored the event, those that made the auction items possible and also those who purchased them! Once more, special thanks to Howard Cohen and the members of the Seattle Hotel Association. Also, thanks to the Seattle Police Foundation President and CEO Renee’ Hopkins and the Seattle Police Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors Sam Baker. Thank you for making our officers safer and our communities stronger.

John Diaz, Chief of Police

The Seattle Police Foundation thanks the Seattle Hotel Association for hosting the Evening of Hope gala

Sgt. Sean Whitcomb — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:15:45 +0000

The Seattle Hotel Association hosted their annual Evening of Hope Gala to benefit the Seattle Police Foundation, and honor President Obama’s Drug Czar and former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and his wife, Anna Laszlo

Seattle, Washington — February 6, 2012 — This past Saturday, the Seattle Hotel Association hosted the 15th annual Evening of Hope Gala at the Olympic Fairmont Hotel. This year all net proceeds benefit the Seattle Police Foundation. Saturday’s honorees, Gil Kerlikowske and his wife Anna Laszlo, were recognized for all their hard work towards improving public safety. Gil is currently the Drug Czar for the Obama Administration and the former Seattle Police Chief (2001-2009). His wife Anna is a national leader in criminal justice research and programming. Both have had an amazing impact on the Seattle community, and it was under Gil’s leadership that the Seattle Police Foundation began.

The Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) was founded to assist the police department reach its mission of fighting crime, reducing fear and building strong communities. SPF specifically helps SPD enhance relationships with the community they serve, improve officer and employee development, and provide the latest in equipment and technology that would not be normally funded in the city’s budget to ensure their safety and enhance the service they provide our community every day. Proceeds from the Evening of Hope will go to fund projects in these areas. “This money will help us continue to make Seattle safer. The work we do changes and saves lives,” said Renée Hopkins, President of the Seattle Police Foundation. The event raised more than $400,000 with proceeds going to the SPF.

The partnership between the Seattle Hotel Association, the Seattle Police Foundation and the events sponsors, demonstrates the commitment we all have towards building a safe and vibrant Seattle to allow businesses and families to thrive. Again, the Seattle Police Foundation would like to thank the Seattle Hotel Association and the event sponsors for their support and ensuring the events success.

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For more information, press only:

Abel Pacheco, (206) 733- 9372, abel.pacheco@seattle.gov

For more information on the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Hotel Association:

http://www.seattlepolicefoundation.org

http://www.seattlehotelassociation.org/eoh.html

Men and Women of SPD host a shoe drive

Detective Renee Witt — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:46:17 +0000

Yesterday, a Parking Enforcement Supervisor delivered a car load of new and gently used shoes to Redeeming Soles. All of the shoes were donated by the men and women of the Seattle Police Department. The shoe drive was a month long event with donation boxes at each Precinct. Redeeming Soles is a non-profit organization that collects, cleans, sorts, and distributes shoes to Treehouse for Kids, Baby Boutique, Hope Place, Mary’s Place, New Horizon, Bread of Life, Union Gospel, and The Urban Rest Stop.

Man arrested for assaulting an officer

Detective Renee Witt — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:12:58 +0000

On 12/24/11, an officer was working in full uniform at Century Link Field at the Seahawks vs. 49er’s football game. A fight broke out in the stands in section 130 and the victim officer was heard over police radio asking for a “fast back-up”. Responding officers located the victim officer and the suspect.

Once the suspect was placed in handcuffs responding officers turned their attention to the victim officer. He was unconscious and had obvious facial injuries. Seattle Fire Medics responded and treated the victim officer on scene. He was then transported to Harborview Medical Center where he was admitted.

According to witnesses and Century Link Staff, the suspect and a female were sitting in seats that did not belong to them. A staff member contacted the suspect and the suspect became belligerent and confrontational. The victim officer intervened and the suspect was also belligerent and confrontational with the officer. The Staff then advised the suspect that he was being ejected from the stadium. The officer then attempted to escort the suspect from the stadium when the suspect turned and struck the officer in the chest with a closed fist.

The officer and suspect got into a tussle at which point the suspect rammed the officer into a cement wall along the side of the tunnel. The officer struck his head and fell to the ground. The suspect then continued to strike the officer while the officer was down on the ground. Witnesses stated that the suspect struck the officer 3 times in the head. One witness said that the officer was knocked unconscious. Fans stepped in and restrained the suspect until responding officers arrived.

The suspect was arrested and booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.

Seattle-Area Ethnic Chambers of Commerce to host Seattle Police Appreciation Night

Detective Renee Witt — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:21:59 +0000

Monday evening November 14^th at South Seattle Community College, The Greater Seattle Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce along with other ethnic chambers from the area are hosting the first Ethnic Chambers’ Police Appreciation Night. The evening will include honoring twelve Seattle Police officers for their work in the community.

The event will include representatives from throughout the community including Councilmember Tim Burgess, Nick Licata, the directors of many ethnic chambers of commerce, ethnic community organizations, Seattle Police Department Chief John Diaz and members of his command staff.

“We often hear and see negative about the Seattle Police in our local media. We wanted to send a clear message to the men and women of the Seattle Police Department, that the communities of color they serve appreciate their hard work, dedication and sacrifice to keep us safe.” Said Mike Sotelo of the King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“We want to show our appreciation to the police for their hard work in protecting citizens. We all rely on the police to keep us safe every day. But we don’t have much opportunity to voice our thanks to them.” said Lawrence Pang, Executive Director of the Greater Chinese Chamber of Commerce. “We want to do our part in supporting positive relationships between the police and the citizens. We can do this in part by taking the time to say ‘thank you’.”

In addition to the Chinese Chamber, Hispanic Chamber and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, supporting ethnic chambers includes those representing African, Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, and Eastern European.

For more information, press only:

Lawrence Pang, 206-406-9886, lawrencepang888@gmail.com

Mike Sotelo, 206-713-7300,

For more information on the Greater Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the King County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:

http://www.seattlechinesechamber.org/

http://www.kingcountyhispanicchamber.com

Seattle Police Foundation to honor those who serve to protect

Detective Jeff Kappel — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 22:35:39 +0000

Tonight at the downtown Sheraton, the Seattle Police Foundation will be honoring the Seattle Police Department and their officers, and more specifically, the officers who go above and beyond in performing their duties (recipient list below).

This evening will also be marked by the 135th Anniversary of the Seattle Police Department and the 10th Anniversary of the Seattle Police Foundation. Community members from across the Puget Sound will gather to celebrate and honor the award winning officers. Annually the Seattle Police Foundation, with the support of community leaders, honors those who serve our community. As the Foundation celebrates its 10th Anniversary, we cannot forget the actions that brought us together and formed what would become the Seattle Police Foundation.

Following the tragic events of 9/11, united by a desire to publicly support Seattle’s law enforcement professionals, a group of distinguished leaders from Seattle’s business, civic, religious and academic communities identified a need to support the brave men and women who serve and protect our community, thus launching the independent, non-profit organization that would become the Seattle Police Foundation in January of 2002.

The Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) was founded to assist the police department in enhancing its relationship with the community, improve officer training, recognize exceptional officers, detectives and civilian employees, provide equipment and technology to ensure officers’ safety and enhance the service they provide our community every day.

This banquet allows the Seattle Police Foundation to help fulfill its mission and recognize the officers who serve and protect with distinction. The Seattle Police Foundation would also like to thank our community leaders and corporate sponsors in their support.

Congratulations to the winners!

MEDAL OF VALOR

RICH MCAULIFFE, TIM WEAR, GINGER PIO

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

ANDREW PELOQUIN, MARK GALLEGOS, STEVE STRAND
TRAVIS SAUER, KIERAN BARTON, ERIC WHITEHEAD
CHRISELEY LANG, CHRIS MYERS
LARRY LONGLEY, KEVIN GROSSMAN, JOE FOUNTAIN

OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE

JEFFREY JOHNSON
STEVE REDMOND
HERBIE WILSON, JULIE LANGE, LAWRENCE YU

EXCELLENCE

TOM FITZGERALD
JULIE WIGHT, DONNA STANGELAND, KYLE KIZZIER, ED GARCIA, LAUREN GIVENS, GENE FOSTER, JEFF SPONG,
ROGER ISHIMITSU, LESILE SMITH, JESS PITTS, MIKE MOORE, SUSAN DITUSA
LAURA CHARNLEY
TRENT BERGMANN
BRANDON JAMES
JANET MCFARLANE
DAVID DUNN
MIKE QUINN
RONDA LEWIS
KEVIN ARATANI
MARC OLSON
DANIEL AUDERER
DEREK BOLTON
SEAN WHITCOMB
TERRIE JOHNSTON
SHANNA CHRISTIE

COMMUNITY AMBASSADOR

JOHN ABRAHAM, JIM RITTER
ERIN RODRIGUEZ, SAM BRABOY, DENISE BOULDIN, NICHOLAS CARTER, KEVIN STUCKEY
ALVIN LITTLE
NANETTE TOYOSHIMA
MARK WONG & ZIVA, CHRIS HAIRSTON & ORCA

IMPACT

SCOTT ENRIGHT, DAN NELSON & JUSTIN DAWSON (MHP)

INSPIRATIONAL

JAN HOYT
BONNIE NEWMAN
CARRIE MCNALLY
SHARRON UNDERWOOD

CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR

KARIM MILLER

DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR

BRANDON JAMES, SAMUEL DEJESUS, ERIK ALLEN

PRECINCT OFFICERS OF THE YEAR

SOUTH – RYAN LANCASTER
SOUTHWEST – VINCE GUBALLA
WEST – LORA ALCANTARA AND JEFFRY DOTSON
EAST – GERRY HOUSE
NORTH – GEORGE DAVISSON

SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER OF THE YEAR

CHRIS MCNULTY (AND DOC OFFICER JEFF SARGENT)

For more information on the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Police Department, go to:

http://www.seattlepolicefoundation.org

http://www.seattle.gov/police

Seattle’s finest walk for 3 days for a worthy cause

Detective Renee Witt — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:15:34 +0000

The Seattle Police Department will be proudly participating in the annual Breast Cancer Walk Event September 16-18, 2011. The walk is a national event held in various cities across the country to raise awareness and to fundraise for a cure for breast cancer. This event is a 3- day walk where thousands of participant’s will walk sixty miles over three days, approximately 20 miles each day. The walk begins in Seattle on day 1, and travels through Mercer Island, Bellevue, and to Redmond, and concludes at Seattle’s Memorial Stadium on day 3. SPD officers will provide security and traffic assistance while paralleling the route on bicycle. There will also be approximately 35 (volunteers) officers participating in the event each day, a total of 69 officers over the 3 day period.

The officers participating in this event are very excited to represent the Seattle Police Department for such worthy cause. Officer’s uniform shirts will bear a “pink ribbon” symbolizing breast cancer awareness for the event. Depicted above: Officer Christine Nichols and Officer Michelle Gallegos

Seattle Police Officers Guild donate school supplies to local school

Detective Renee Witt — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 21:24:42 +0000

On August 25^th, the Seattle Police Officers Guild donated over $500 worth of school supplies to AKI KUROSE Middle School. SPD School Resource Officer Kevin Stuckey, who works at the school, informed the Guild about the need for school supplies for students at the middle school.

Many of the students at the south Seattle school are in transitional housing and come from low-income family situations. Pictured left to right are : SPOG Vice President Sgt. Ty Elster, Aki Kurose Principal Mia Williams, Officer Kevin Stuckey, and SPOG President Sgt Rich O’Neill.

Body recovered from Lake Washington

Detective Jeff Kappel — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:59:44 +0000

On August 20th at approximately 6:10 a.m. Seattle Police Harbor and South Precinct Patrol units responded to the area of Lake Washington Boulevard South and South Ferdinand Street for the report of a body floating approximately 10 feet off shore. A man walking his dog spotted the body and called 911. Harbor units recovered the body which has since been turned over to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the deceased is a male in his 20′s. There was no obvious signs of trauma and no foul play is suspected. Based on physical description, location and drift pattern, investigating officers believe the deceased to be the missing jet skier reported on August 18th.

Seattle Police Harbor units and police divers have searched for the missing jet skier every day since he was reported missing.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for positively identifying the deceased and determining the cause of death.

Harbor Unit respond to injured woman at local marina

Detective Renee Witt — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:09:48 +0000

On 8/2/11, at approximately 5:00 p.m., a SPD Harbor Patrol unit responded to the Thunderbird Marina in the 2900 block of Fairview Ave E., to a call of an injured 58- year- old woman who had fallen into the water. The woman was attempting to get into her boat at slip #39, when she fell into the water and hit her shoulder and arm on the dock.

A passerby held onto the woman’s arms until the Harbor unit arrived. The Harbor unit provided aid to the victim and provided her with life jackets until Seattle Fire Department (SFD) arrived. Harbor 4 assisted SFD in lifting the woman out of the water with a lift bag. The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.