Chamber, citizens recognize SPPD Chief MacKinnon
March 21, 2012
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Although at Good Morning Santa Paula he’s usually giving out awards, Police Chief Steve MacKinnon was in for special recognition from Chamber President John Chamberlain and the more than 150 citizens who signed a letter noting the chief’s contributions to the SPPD and community.
MacKinnon was given the appreciation at the March breakfast meeting sponsored by the Chamber and held at Glen Tavern Inn.
Chamberlain noted the surprise recognition for MacKinnon, who was unable to attend the meeting, was long overdue. “Too often in the daily hustle and bustle we forget to recognize those” who, much like MacKinnon, often work behind the scenes. “Our Chief has been a great asset to our community,” since he joined the SPPD in November 2005.
Chamberlain noted MacKinnon has provided outstanding leadership to the SPPD, “not only by motivating our officers to do outstanding work,” but also through “benefiting a number of organizations in Santa Paula. About 150 community leaders signed a letter thanking the chief for his leadership and the example he sets” for the community.
“Chief MacKinnon really spends time getting involved in the community,” and serves as chairman of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and the annual Moonlight at the Ranch fundraiser that benefits the Santa Paula Police & Fire Foundation and Chamber of Commerce.
MacKinnon is on the Board of Directors of the Santa Paula Theater Center - he also has acted in numerous annual GhostWalk® productions - and has volunteered his services at a variety of fundraisers, including for the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula and Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group.
Chamberlain said MacKinnon is also known to work closely with area nonprofits that stage public events such as festivals to coordinate police services including officers, Reserves, Explorers and Citizens Patrol. In addition, he is a member of several countywide police leadership groups and task forces.
“No matter what the need, Chief MacKinnon pitches in and gets the job done.... I have a lot of respect for him,” said Chamberlain, “as do all these Santa Paula community leaders that signed this recognition for our chief.”
