Hired by the SPPD in June 2000, Officer Wally Boggess was introduced as the Public Safety Officer of the Month by Police Chief Bob Gonzales.Married with two children, Officer Boggess grew up in Moorpark and graduated from Royal High School.“Officer Boggess enrolled himself in Rio Honda [law enforcement training academy] and graduated in 1996, running away with all the awards and ranked first in his class of 54 students,” said Chief Gonzales.Officer Boggess has an AA in Administration of Justice and attended Cal State Los Angeles where he received a BS in Criminal Justice.Chief Gonzales said “The criminal element sees him as an aggressive and effective officer. . .because of officers like Boggess people can feel safe.”Another strength the officer has is compassion, not only for the victims of crime but “even with the negative element, and it makes me feel good that he is compassionate with all. When I interview I measure new officers to Wally Boggess, tell them to look to him and use him as mentor. He’s a commodity to our department and my hope is that he has found a home with us.”Chief Gonzales said Officer Boggess has distinguished himself as a “committed individual, dedicated to his work and he’s distinguished himself as a young buck.”“I would like to thank the department and city,” said Officer Boggess. “This is the best job I could imagine and I don’t plan on going anywhere else. . .I work with a great bunch of people who are just as dedicated as I am. We have a great chief and a real family atmosphere.”The monthly Teacher and Public Safety Officer awards are sponsored by Santa Paula Chevrolet.
Teacher Gill, Officer Boggess honored by Chamber of Commerce at Good Morning Santa Paula
January 23, 2002
Santa Paula News
An outstanding educator who returned to Santa Paula High School to start her teaching career and a dedicated police officer were honored at the January Good Morning Santa Paula!
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesAn outstanding educator who returned to Santa Paula High School to start her teaching career and a dedicated police officer were honored at the January Good Morning Santa Paula!Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and hosted by Santa Clara Valley Bank, the monthly meeting was held at Logsdon’s at the Santa Paula Airport.SPUHS Principal Tony Gaitan told of the contributions of Sharon Gill, the Teacher of the Month.Gill was unable to make the event due to her teaching schedule, he added, typical of her dedication to education. “Sharon has only been with us a few years and has made a major impact during that time,” including her involvement with the Mock Trial Team and being chosen to chair the English department. “Sharon is determined, self-motivated, caring and highly respected among her colleagues.Gill, an honored SPUHS grad and graduate of the University of Arizona, first joined SPUHS as a substitute teacher and - when a position opened during the term - full-time.“Sharon has excellent classroom management skills. . .a born teacher and blessing in disguise,” said Gaitan.Gill directs many educational ventures including the California State University readiness program, teaches Advanced Placement classes, created a model reading program and works closely with students to ensure they will pass their exit exam. Gill also works diligently crafting courses of study to not only adhere to state standards, but best benefit the student.“It’s wonderful that Sharon returned to us where she is a much admired and respected role model for all students,” said Gaitan.