RPD Gives Chief's Commendations to Two Employees, One Business

The Redlands Police Department recognized employees and volunteers and welcomed new members to the department during a December ceremony. Police Chief Mark Garcia presented Chief’s Commendations to two department employees and a business, among also recognizing two private citizens with the award. Lifesaving awards were presented to an RPD officer, five members of the Redlands Fire Department and a civilian member of the public for their actions in treating a driver who suffered a heart attack. The department recognized its Explorer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Reserve Officer of the Year, Officer of the Year and Civilian Employee of the Year. The department also welcomed four new employees. Recipients of Chief’s Commendations included the following: Redlands Walmart Over the last 10 years, the Redlands Police Department has given over 1,500 bikes to at-risk youth and victims who have had their bicycles stolen. Most of the bikes have been given out at bike rodeos put on by citizen volunteers. It was the Redlands Walmart that donated all 1,500-plus bicycles. In addition to donating the bicycles, Walmart has also helped fund the annual Christmas Block Party at the Community Center each year by donating $12,000 in cash and in-kind donations over the years. Redlands Police Crime Analyst: Amy Varela. Amy Varela first started working part-time with the Redlands Police Department as a crime analyst on Dec. 17, 2012. In April 2013, she was hired to be the full-time crime analyst for RPD. Varela has had a direct impact on solving several investigations. For example, on a recent murder investigation, detectives received information that a man matching the description of the suspect was seen driving a vehicle in the area in which the homicide victim was abducted. The informant provided detectives with a license plate to the suspect’s car. Varela determined the license plate was incorrect and began trying to figure out the correct license plate. Using all of the different databases available to her, she was able to determine the correct plate. Not one, but two of the license plate digits were incorrect. In another example, Varela was able to link a series of residential burglaries to a parolee. The parolee had a GPS ankle monitor on him and Varela was able to identify him as being at the location of several of the burglaries. The information was passed on to detectives who made the arrest. Customer Service Representative: Lynnette Salamanca Lynette Salamanca started working for the Redlands Police Department in 1999 as a customer service representative. Police officials say that Salamanca takes initiative to learn and ensures the records unit is informed and working cohesively. Earlier this year, the Redlands Police Department transitioned to a paperless reporting system and Salamanca was an integral part of the implementation process. Be sure to read the Redlands City News in coming editions to read more about individuals and businesses honored by the RPD at the Dec. 10 ceremony! Find us online at www.citynewsgroup.com > Redlands.