Two Gold Medals in World Police and Fire Games

Congratulations to our very own Officer Sergio Machado who is participating in the 2019 World Police and Fire Games in Chengdu, Cina. Officer Machado took Gold in both the Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brackets he participated in over the last two days. Sergio was assisted in his travel to China by the Arcadia Police Officers' Association. This is a great honor for Sergio and we are proud to say he represented the Arcadia Police Department on this international stage.

Weekly Tip - Keep Your Guns Locked Up at Home!

California law requires secure storage of firearms when children under 18 are likely to be present and you are in control of the premises. Definitions and exemptions can be found in Penal Code section 25100, Criminal Storage of a Firearm.

Gun safety starts at home. If weapons are present in a home, children need to be taught proper weapon handling and safety. Weapons need to be properly secured. In the event that a child finds a gun, the National Rifle Association Eddie Eagle Gunsafe Program teaches children the following:

•STOP!

•Don't touch!

•Leave the area!

•Tell an adult!

There is no excuse for having an unsecured weapon in your home. Gun safes are reasonably priced and are readily available. Use of a gun safe is preferred, but many police departments offer simple gun locks for free. The Arcadia Police Department offers our residents gun locks free of charge at our front counter. Check with your local agency for similar availability.

Weekly Tip - Know of a Teen Interested in Law Enforcement? Recommend Becoming a Police Explorer!

WHAT IS AN EXPLORER?

An explorer is a volunteer scout that participates in civilian observer ride-a-longs. He or she assists the police with searches for evidence; report writing, desk officer duties, command post operations, crime prevention surveillance, disaster assistance, crowd and traffic control, security at major events, and other challenging assignments, some of which help the Explorers earn money for their post. Explorers also participate in educational and recreational trips, which involve visits to other police agencies throughout California and the Nation. With the training and direction received as Police Explorers, many young men and women have gone on to choose law enforcement as a career. Others have chosen to enter the Armed Forces and are now serving around the world.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Arcadia Police Department Explorer Program is designed for youths 14 to 18 years of age. After graduating from the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy, explorers are assigned to Explorer Post 101. Police officers then work with the explorers in an effort to provide community service. Officers also provide insight and guidance to explorers who decide to pursue a career in law enforcement.

EXPLORER ACADEMY

The Explorer Academy is held at the San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Explorer Academy located in the City of Arcadia. Training includes instruction in crime prevention, basic law, report writing, drill and ceremonies, physical training, and other topics. Instruction is provided by current and retired Police Officers. Upon successfully completing the Academy requirements, recruits will receive a certificate verifying completion of training and an identification card.

QUALIFICATIONS

-Be at least 14 years of age and in the ninth grade, or 15 (regardless of the grade).

-Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all schoolwork.

-Pass an oral interview and a background investigation.

-Have no record of arrest convictions.

-Be free of any physical deficiencies that would jeopardize yourself or others.

-Maintain a good moral character.

-Register with Learning for Life (Boy Scouts of America)

-Demonstrate a willingness to participate in Explorer activities.

-Attend and graduate from the Explorer Academy.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

All equipment and uniforms (except shoes) are provided by the Police Department.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact a member of the Explorer Coordination Team at the Arcadia Police Department:

Officer Travis Walton

Officer Evelyn Calderon

Officer Sergio Machado

(626) 574-5151

Remembering Partner and Friend Mike Daleo

Nine years ago today, we lost a friend and partner here at APD. Long-time Police Reserve Officer and APD Crime Analyst Mike Daleo succumbed to cancer on July 24, 2010.

Mike was a friend to all here at APD. He was one of the first Crime Analysts in the San Gabriel Valley and was well-known to the greater law enforcement family, always assisting outside agencies with their cases and information. 

We miss you, Mike. Thanks for the years of friendship and service to Arcadia and beyond!

Weekly Tip - Not Even for a Minute!

NEVER leave a child or pet inside a parked car, Not Even for a Minute! This video from Safe Kids USA demonstrates how quickly temperatures can rise inside a vehicle. Even with windows cracked, temperatures will rise well above outside temps creating a dangerous environment inside the vehicle.

LOOK Before You Lock! No matter what the errand or drive, look around, check the back seat...never leave your child or pet inside the car. Not Even for a Minute!

Should you find a child or pet inside a parked vehicle, call the local police, or dial 911 if they appear in distress.

Officer Albert Matthies Remembered

Members of our Honor Guard paid tribute to Officer Albert Matthies last Friday, placing a wreath at his graveside. Officer Matthies is the only Arcadia Police Officer who has been killed in the line of duty. Officer Matthies was shot on July 18, 1927, and died early on July 19, 1927. The gravesite of Officer Matthies is located at Live Oak Memorial Park and there are plaques in his memory at APD and near Northview and Foothill where the shooting occurred. 

The Passing of Retired Police Chief Ronnie Garner

It is with great sadness we report the passing of Retired Police Chief Ronnie Garner. Chief Garner passed away Tuesday evening, July 16th, after a long hard-fought battle with prostate cancer.

Chief Garner had a distinguished law enforcement career, spanning over 30 years across three agencies, rising through the ranks to become the Deputy Chief at Beverly Hills Police Department and culminating as Chief of Police here in Arcadia.  Chief Garner was instrumental in starting the P.A.C.E. Unit (Peaceful Arcadia through Community Efforts) in late 1996.  As part of the unit, a substation was opened in the Westfield Shoppingtown Mall where officers administered the Department’s D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program and various community outreach efforts.  Chief Garner retired on September 9, 1999.

Ronnie was a proud Vietnam Veteran and beloved husband, father, and grandfather.  He was married to his cherished wife, Paula, for over 50 years.  He leaves an indelible legacy of admiration and respect with those who both knew and loved him, and will be deeply missed.

Services for Chief Garner will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 2019, as follows:

Funeral at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
2497 Cozy Hill Circle
Henderson, NV 89012
Viewing at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

Graveside Service with Military Honors at 12:00 p.m.
Palm Mortuary - Eastern
7600 S. Eastern Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89123

Our condolences go out to the entire Garner family.  Chief Garner was just a few months shy of his 75th Birthday.