“The times he left doesn’t count,” joked Sergeant Ish Cordero, who presented Saviers with a plaque from the Ventura County Police Officers Association, noting, “When I was first hired as a reserve my first ride along was with Mike.”Due to the knowledge that Saviers is now entering the realm of “Honey-dos,” the Sergeants Division presented him with the “ultimate tool chest.... We know Mike’s passion for fishing and family,” said Sergeant Jimmy Fogata, who added the unit’s thanks for “your support, guidance and friendship all these years... we’ll miss you.”Lieutenant Carlos Juarez gave Saviers a road sign bearing the county pioneering family’s name, and noted that Saviers had twice left the SPPD for “greener - as in cash - pastures,” but always quickly returned to the SPPD and his distinguished career. Although known for patience and understanding, Saviers was always a taskmaster, and once when a direct order was disobeyed, “It was the wrath of Mike.”Famous for his daily paper bag lunches, Juarez presented Saviers with a police lunch box, and noted that on Saviers’ last “official day he was acting chief... Mike signed something for me. It was his last official act and we hugged. I’ll miss you Mike... you’ve been a great partner to work with and for.”“I’m overwhelmed, thank you for the last 32 years and being my friends for the last 32 years,” Saviers told the crowd. “I learned from so many, it’s been fun and it’s time to move on.”The poignant last radio call dispatched highlights of Saviers career, and noted his “professionalism, integrity and good humor” and how his “contributions to the SPPD and community can never be measured” nor ever forgotten.“When Tressa started dating Mike I was scared” of her daughter being involved with a police officer, but Susan Lazenby said she observed Saviers on the job: “two big guys yelling and screaming... Mike had a hand on one and his arm around the other,” calming the situation. “Then I knew that he and Tressa should be married.”Saviers’ daughter Hannah cried as she said she would miss “my Dad’s shiny lieutenant shoes”; and Tressa noted, “I’m so proud of Mike, that he’s kind and fair to everybody... and I love you so much.”“Mike is the epitome of what a police officer should be and is. Mike literally has been my right hand man” and there was not an issue or problem he could not handle, said MacKinnon. “I agree with all the thoughts expressed here today... I was really, really honored to work not over him, but with him.”Saviers also offered a goodbye in the special DVD produced by Senior Officer Ryan Smith that traces Saviers’ SPPD career through photos, comments and jokes from numerous co-workers. “I’ll always be thinking about you and praying that you’re safe,” said Saviers, and now “Tressa and the kids (Hannah Wishart, 10, and Jake, 7) and I are going fishing, but I’ll still be watching you. Thank you for being my friend.”
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SPPD Lieutenant Mike Saviers (left) shows off the shadow box of badges and patches presented by Senior Officer Allen Macias at Saviers’ retirement party. |
Tears and cheers as SPPD Lieutenant Saviers ends distinguished career
June 25, 2008
Santa Paula Police Department
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesTears, cheers, and even a few affectionate jeers marked the retirement of Lieutenant Michael Saviers, who was celebrated by family - his and the Santa Paula Police Department branch - at a June 14 party held at Kenny Grove Park. Saviers, a native of Santa Paula, has been with the SPPD for 33 years.Past SPPD Chiefs Jim Corrigan, now Mayor Bob Gonzales and Mark Hanson were among the large crowd of well-wishers, as was City Councilman John Procter.“Talk about a family tree with branches,” said Police Chief Steve MacKinnon. “I’m learning more and more about those related to Mike... and it’s scary. If all his relatives hadn’t come we could have done this in the police station kitchen!”Saviers had hoped to end his long, law enforcement career without fanfare, but Gonzales and Procter started the recognitions with a proclamation, and Becky Bolanos later presented Saviers with a City Tile.A 1971 Santa Paula High School grad, Saviers received an AA degree from Ventura Community College before joining the SPPD as a reserve in 1975. Four years later he was sworn in as an officer.“Mike and I were roommates at one time,” and Gonzales regaled the crowd with several Saviers stories.“Mike is a shining beacon and he’ll be missed,” said Procter.“I’m proud to have Mike as a son-in-law,” said Tressa Saviers’ father, Santa Paula Fire Department Captain Steve Lazenby as Saviers’ parents, Louise, a noted artist, and Bill, himself a retired SPPD officer, beamed. “We worked together on many calls, where I’ve heard people say” they would comply with instructions once “Mike says I can.”Lazenby presented Saviers with a Fillmore Fire Department turnout, in case Saviers is ever needed for an emergency in the city where he and his family live. Various presentations to Saviers included a SPPD hat with Traffic Division “Motor Wings” as well as a survival kit and “floaties” in case Saviers ever finds himself half-sunk, such as the boat photo he displayed on his office bulletin board.Saviers received a Sports Authority gift card to help better enjoy his retirement, and Senior Officer Allen Macias gifted Saviers with a shadow box filled with the badges and patches Saviers wore throughout his career, noting, “Thank you Mike for your dedication and service to the city of Santa Paula.”
