2023 Salute to Public Safety

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2023 Honorees

Firefighter / Paramedic, Ryan Pourhassanian

Chino Valley Fire District – Firefighter of the Year

Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Pourhassanian is the 2022 Chino Valley fire firefighter of the Year.

Ryan was hired as a Firefighter/Paramedic with Chino Valley Fire in January 2007.  He graduated from Fresno State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. 

Ryan’s passion for his profession and commitment to preparedness is demonstrated by the respected positions he holds as a Hazardous Materials Specialist and a guidelines committee member for the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care.

Ryan is also an advisory board member for the Citizen CPR Foundation and an instructor for Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The District recognizes Ryan for his notable record of service, dedication, and outstanding commitment to serving.

Congratulations Ryan, on being selected as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year!

 

Information Technology Specialist, Natalie Ceballos

Chino Valley Fire District – Employee of the Year

Information Technology Specialist Natalie Ceballos is the 2022 Chino Valley Fire Employee of the Year.  Natalie began her employment with Chino Valley Fire in October 2019 as an Information Technology Specialist. She graduated from California State University Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science. 

As an Information Technology Specialist, Natalie serves as the first point of contact to resolve technology-related issues. She performs a variety of functions within her role that includes supporting the software, hardware, and network infrastructure, as well as evaluating new and enhanced approaches to deliver IT services.

In addition to her IT Specialist duties, Natalie serves as a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) for the District. Serving in the role of a CLO requires an after-hours commitment to respond to and assist the Chino Valley Fire Suppression Team and stakeholders during incidents where individuals have suffered a loss or have been displaced from their residences. 

Beyond her day-to-day duties and after-hours commitment to serve our community, Natalie volunteers as Treasurer for the Chino Valley Fire Foundation. She demonstrates the same passion and drives for the Foundation as she does for the District.

Natalie is a professional who takes great pride in her work and described by her colleagues as positive, helpful, attentive, and quick to respond to assist all employees.

Congratulations Natalie, on being selected as the 2022 Employee of the Year!

 

Deputy, Sokly Chau

Chino Hills Police Department- Deputy of the Year Award

 Sokly began his law enforcement career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in August 2013. He spent 4 years in corrections at the West Valley Detention Center, before transferring to the Chino Hills Station. Sokly is currently assigned to the traffic division and has a collateral duty as an investigator with the regional Major Accident Investigation Team or MAIT. MAIT investigators complete intensive traffic accident investigation and reconstruction training and are utilized to investigate major injury or fatal traffic accidents. In addition to his traffic and MAIT responsibilities, Sokly is also an Explorer coordinator and one of the Chino Hills Station armorers.   

Sokly has been the primary point of contact and responsible for traffic logistic planning during many of the city’s public events. Sokly willingly sacrifices his own time to participate in charity and community events, mentoring local youth and giving back to the community. 

In addition to his law enforcement career, Sokly spent 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

During his time off, Sokly spends time playing golf, traveling with his family, and further honing his already exceptional sushi chef skills. 

Congratulations to the Chino Hills Police Department’s Public Safety, Sworn Employee of the Year – Sokly Chau.

Secretary, Llesenia Tarango

Chino Hills Police Department – Employee of the Year Award                     

Llesenia joined the Sheriff’s Department in 2008 as a Sheriff’s Custody Assistant, assigned to the West Valley Detention Center. After transferring from corrections, Llesenia worked as an Office Specialist at the Rancho Cucamonga Station and in Civil Liabilities.  

In January 2022, Llesenia accepted a position as the Chino Hills Station’s Secretary. Llesenia is the primary point of contact between the City of Chino Hills and the Chino Hills Police Department.  Llesenia regularly coordinates a high volume of data entry to include; payroll processing for over 70 employees, monthly station expense reconciliation, outgoing monthly payments, ongoing and one-time payments to vendors, and other key metrics. Llesenia is responsible for managing multiple cost centers to accurately process and track critical financial costs. Llesenia effectively analyzes operating budgets and variances to provide command staff with accurate data for use in future budget projections and ongoing operating costs. 

Due to her tenure, Llesenia maintains an extensive peer network within the Sheriff’s Department to assist her with any questions she may have, arising from newly implemented workflow processes or policy implementation. Llesenia also willingly shares her job expertise with newly hired administrative staff.

During her time off, Llesenia stays busy taking her 9-yr old son Ezekiel to baseball practice and watching his baseball games. She and Ezekiel also enjoy camping and going to local amusement parks.   

Congratulations to the Chino Hills Police Department’s Public Safety, Professional Staff Employee of the Year – Llesenia Tarango.

Corporal, Stephen Jetté

Chino Police Department Officer of the Year

Stephen started his career with the Department in 2011 as a Patrol Officer. He has been assigned to the Special Operations Bureau in 2021 and promoted to Corporal in 2022.  

Stephen’s ancillary assignments include the Bike Patrol Team, Crisis Intervention Team, Department Instructor, and part-time Background Investigator.  He is also a Field Training Officer.

Stephen is the recipient of the Bravery Award in 2014 and 2019, the Life Saving Award in 2015, Beat Cop of the Quarter – 4th Quarter 2019, and two Unit Citations. 

For his work ethic, empathy, persistence, and dedication, Corporal Stephen Jetté is being recognized as the Chino Police Department Officer of the Year.  

Police Records Technician, Rebekah Weber

Chino Police Department Professional Staff Employee of the Year

Rebekah started her career with the Department in 2017 as a Records Technician.  She has been assigned to the Traffic Unit since September 2021. She also serves Ancillary Assignments as a Part-Time Background investigator and Explorer Advisor. 

Rebekah earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Coast University.  She also served in the United States Navy for four years and obtained the rank of Gunner’s Mate Petty Officer Second Class.  She was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Sea Service Ribbon. 

Rebekah earned an Award of Excellence and two Unit Citations for our department and she was selected as the Professional Staff Member of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of 2022. 

For her work ethic and dedication, Rebekah is recognized as the Chino Police Department Professional Staff Member of the Year.  

Associate Warden Rob Kettle  

California Institution for Women Employee of the Year

Mr. Kettle began his career with CDCR in the Food Services Department at the California Men’s Colony in 1984 and accepted his first supervisory position at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in 1987. 

While at CIM, Mr. Kettle continued to advance holding various positions including Procurement and Services Officer, Budget Administrator, and Contract Manager. Mr. Kettle accepted the promotion to Correctional Business Manager at the California Institution for Women (CIW) in 1995 and accepted an Out-of-Class opportunity for Associate Warden in 1997. Mr. Kettle was ultimately hired as a full-time Associate Warden at CIW where he remains today. 

Mr. Kettle has worked nearly all Associate warden positions at CIW including Business Services, Housing, Custody Operations, and the Reception Center. Mr. Kettle is presently assigned as the Associate Warden of Health Care Operations and Special Programs.

Mr. Kettle has served in many other capacities while employed with CDCR including IST instructor for use of force, staff suicide prevention, chief disciplinary officer, and investment in excellence.  Mr. Kettle received a Supervisor of the year award while at CIM, attended hostage negotiations training, and has served as a subject matter expert in several exams and projects in his nearly 39 years, including several periods of OOC service as CDW. 

Mr. Kettle was the first Project Manager at CIW to achieve accreditation from the American Correctional Association and formerly a member of the Health Care Team to achieve full accreditation from the Joint Commission. 

Mr. Kettle graduated from Chaffey college with a degree in Business Administration with additional coursework in Correctional Science. Mr. Kettle’s tenure, diversity, and overall knowledge of corrections make him a valuable member of the CIW management team.  

Labor Relations Analyst, Angela Wirth

California Institution for Men Employee of the Year Awar

Angela began her career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2006 when she was hired on by Case Records South in Rancho Cucamonga. Later that same year, Angela transferred to the California Institution for Men where she joined her dad who at the time was a Sergeant at the California Institution for Men (CIM). Angela has worked on multiple assignments within the institution and is currently CIM’s Labor Relations Analyst. 

 In addition to her Labor Relation Analyst duties, Angela has served as the President of the Chino Valley Employees’ Association since 2008. Her attention to detail and hard work have always made her an asset to the CIM family and Chino Community. She has also played a major role as a Grantor in the Inland Empire Make-A-Wish Wish Foundation, which helps local community children with chronic and debilitative illnesses. 

 Angela enjoys giving back to the Chino community which she has called home since she was in 3rd grade. She has built a strong relationship with the Chino Valley Unified School District’s HOPE Program and often coordinates fundraising events to benefit their CARE Closets throughout the district. Angela’s commitment to her family, the California Institution for Men, and the community she lives and works in is a true testament to her character.

Salute to Public Safety: Honoring the Unsung Heroes of Our Community

The annual Salute to Public Safety is a special event organized by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce to recognize and honor the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our community. On Wednesday, April 4th, 2023, people from all walks of life came together to celebrate and show appreciation to the sworn and civilian staff of our five public safety departments: Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Hills Police Department, Chino Police Department, California Institution for Men, and California Institution for Women.

The event kicked off with Josh Sun, the President of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, welcoming the attendees and expressing his gratitude for their presence. Sun acknowledged the exceptional public safety in the community, which makes the event even more special. He encouraged everyone to take lots of pictures and share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #CVSalute.

Zeb Welborn, the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, then took the stage to acknowledge the generous sponsors who made the event possible. These sponsors include Chino Hills Ford, Health Service Alliance, City of Chino, City of Chino Hills, Chino Valley Fire, and many more.

The Salute to Public Safety event is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor the hard work of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. It is also a time to recognize the accomplishments of individuals who have made significant contributions to the well-being of the community. The presentation of Public Safety awards is an integral part of the event and recognizes the best and brightest in the industry.

Chaplain Henry Aguilar from the Chino Valley Fire Department delivered the invocation, followed by the presentation of colors by the Joint Color Guard and Pipes and Drums of the Chino Valley Fire District. Explorer Gurjot Singh of the Chino Hills Police Department led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Janae Baker sang the National Anthem. The event continued with the introduction of some special individuals who came to join the celebration, including Senator Kelly Seyarto, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, Mayor Peter Rogers, Vice Mayor Cynthia Moran, Council Members, City Managers, Fire Directors, and many more.

The Salute to Public Safety event is a reminder of the dedication and sacrifice of public safety officers and staff. This is an opportunity for the community to show appreciation for their hard work and to build a closer and stronger community. It takes courage, dedication, and selflessness to put one’s life on the line for the safety of others, and public safety officers and staff do it every day without hesitation. They are the unsung heroes of our community, and events like the Salute to Public Safety are an excellent way to show them that their work is appreciated.

The Salute to Public Safety event is an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about the work that public safety officers and staff do. It is an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and build relationships. The event brings together people from different backgrounds and professions, but they all share a common goal: to make our community a safer and better place to live.

Furthermore, the Salute to Public Safety is an essential event that recognizes and honors the dedication and hard work of public safety officers and staff. It takes courage, dedication, and selflessness to put one’s life on the line for the safety of others, and public safety officers and staff do it every day without hesitation. They are the unsung heroes of our community, and events like the Salute to Public Safety are an excellent way to show them that their work is appreciated.