Last Thursday, May 21, 2009, the City of Fontana held its 5th Annual Police/Fire Awards Ceremony at the Lewis Library.  Although this was the fifth year for the awards, this was the first time that Fontana School Police was included and we are happy to announce that Officer John Garcia was honored with the "Excellence in Policing" Award.

Office Garcia joined FUSD School Police Services in June of 2008.  He came to us with over seven years of police experience and following a brief training period was assigned as officer for A.B. Miller High School.  Officer Garcia takes his assignment very seriously and has truly taken ownership of his school's safety.  His experience and proactive style of policing have brought a significantly positive change to the campus.

Officer Garcia takes community and student safety to the highest levels of his profession.  Over the past year, he has arrested several individuals for weapons and drug possession and sales in close proximity to our schools or city parks, where students congregate before and after school.  He arrested one suspect in the area of Juniper Elementary School for possession of an illegal assault rifle and several other firearms.  This is but one example of the outstanding police work that Office Garcia does every day when he comes to work to serve this community.

In addition, he prides himself in working with younger, less experienced officers.  Officer Garcia has taken it upon himself to guide, mentor, and help officers to develop into true police professionals who specialize in dealing with students.  He expresses a true concern for the future of Fontana School Police Services and has made clear his desire to ensure the training and development of all of the officers.

School Police Chief Bob Ratcliffe said in his recommendation of Officer Garcia, that "his commitment to duty, the community he serves and to the Law Enforcement profession has clearly demonstrated his overall excellence in policing."