Chief Megenney introduces Alfred Ellis, Kevin White, and Steven Madrid.

Chief Megenney presents DSO Joe Nash with commendation.

Officer Joe Ferrera and DSO Joe Nash.

Chief Megenney swears-in Office Andy Garcia.

Chief Megenney and Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks welcoming Officer Andy Garcia.

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Chief Megenney introduces Alfred Ellis, Kevin White, and Steven Madrid.

Next up, Chief Megenney recognized Joe Nash, a DSO at Ruble Middle School, for going above and beyond.  "Mr. Nash is a very humble man who only desires to do the very best job possible," said Chief Megenney.  "Mr. Nash does not do this because he wants recognition but because he truly cares about and understands the importance of his job. You see, Mr. Nash knows he has been entrusted to take care of what we profess to be our most valuable asset, our children and the future of this great nation."

"Mr. Nash works in cooperation with Police Officer Joe Ferrera on every aspect associated with campus safety, intervention education, mentoring and discipline issues. Mr. Nash is a key component to the success of Ruble Middle School."  Along with Officer Ferrera, Mr. Nash co-developed a unique and innovative mentoring program.  "Creating Attitudes Toward Success, or CATS, is designed to reduce disciplinary referrals, increase student self-discipline inside and outside of the school, improve attendance and academic performance, teach drug and gang avoidance strategies, and also addresses the issue of bullying," explained Chief Megenney.  "Mentors and students meet after school four days per week for an hour and a half. The CATS program offers a comprehensive experience with a variety of activities in hopes of inspiring them to accomplish positive and meaningful goals. The activities that students are exposed to include motivational guest speakers, inspirational movies, field trips, collegiate athletic events, and campus tours of USC, UCLA and San Diego State. Mr. Nash is truly a team player."

The evening concluded with the swearing in of Officer Andy Garcia.  He has been a DSO at Fontana High School for the past three years and is currently completing his training.  "Like Mr. Nash, Officer Garcia’s principal (Dr. Lisa Romero) also fought to keep him at her school and he was assigned to Fontana High School," said Chief Megenney.  "She also had lot of accolades and didn’t want him assigned to another school. I’m sure she was not happy that she lost him to the ranks of the Police Department. Mr. Garcia is currently is training but he soon will complete it and I am sure he will be back to spend more time at your school," he reassured Dr. Romero.

Chief Megenney reminded Officer Garcia that officers are held to a higher standard than the citizens of the community they serve. "You must always consider the ramifications of your actions, whether on or off duty," he said.  "You may have to sever or discontinue friendships or other relationships because your chosen profession demands it. Never tarnish the badge or dishonor the uniform you wear as there are many officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice and paid for the privilege of wearing the uniform with their life blood."

Superintendent Cali Olsen-Binks welcomed the new DSOs and congratulated Mr. Nash and Officer Garcia.  "While some say it may not be necessary to have law enforcement on a campus, if we are going to have them, we want them to be spectacular in working with our children," she said.  "And Chief, I know that is your mission, as well."