GMSP: SPPD Investigative Unit honored by Chamber of Commerce
August 28, 2013
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Seven members of the Santa Paula Police Department were honored as the Public Safety Officers of the Quarter at the August Good Morning Santa Paula! The Chamber of Commerce sponsored the monthly breakfast meeting, which was held at Garman’s Irish Pub in the historic Downtown.
Chamber President John Chamberlain presented awards to the SPPD Investigative Unit that includes Detectives John Coffelt, Mike Hoppin, Paul Spencer and Allen Macias, Det. Sgt. Wally Boggess and Det. Sgt. Ken Clark, as well as Community Services Officer Gena Rios. Coffelt and Hoppin were unable to attend the Chamber breakfast meeting.
Chamberlain noted, “Public safety is key” to a well balanced, thriving community. “If you have a safe city,” Chamberlain said, business and residential development will also increase.
Boggess spoke on behalf of the SPPD crime-fighters in thanking the Chamber for the award, noting, “This is pretty much our investigation unit.” Although officers have been kept busy with “a lot of other street crime that has gone on, this unit, each of us, has our specialty” that can be used individually in investigations.
But when it comes to major crimes such as the recent homicides, “We all come together collectively” to work the cases. “As a rule we work many extra hours, but this summer has been very hot,” and Boggess said the number of incidents coupled with personnel shortages has caused the unit “to put in a lot of extra work.”
When it comes to three recent homicides, two believed to be gang-related and third involving a gang member, Boggess said suspects have been identified. “We will catch them,” said Boggess of the trio of homicide suspects, “and they will go to jail.”
Each member of the Investigative Unit received a certificate from the Chamber of Commerce as well as recognition from 26th District Rep. Julia Brownley presented by field representative Sandra Delgado. Each officer has been honored individually in the past, including commendations and awards for their crime-fighting efforts.
