Special thank you to our Sponsors!
This event could not happen without these amazing organizations giving their resources to say THANK YOU to all of our Rancho Cucamonga Public Safety Departments, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center and Rancho Cucamonga Community Improvement Department!
Our TITLE SPONSOR is . . .
The City of Rancho Cucamonga
Our CAPTAIN SPONSORS are . . .
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, 2nd District, Supervisor Jesse Armendarez
Our DEPUTY SPONSORS are . . .
Burrtec Waste Industries
Cucamonga Valley Water District
Evolution Fresh
Health Services Alliance
Kaiser Permanente
Options for Youth
EXPLORER SPONSORS
Operation Community Cares
Our AWARDS SPONSORS are . . . .
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Our FIRE & POLICE CHARITY SPONSORS are . . .
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Angel Jewelers
Chino Commercial Bank
Rojas Public Affairs
Our CENTERPIECE SPONSOR is . . .
Southern California Gas Co.
Community Supporter
Alta Loma School District
Home Masters International
Southernn California Edison
Our PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR . . .
Wayne Wright of Wayne Wright Photography
It is our privilege to announce the winners of the Rancho Cucamonga Public Safety Awards for 2024!
Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department Awardees
Joshua Stapleton, Fire Captain, is named Firefighter of the Year 2024!
Fire Captain Joshua Stapleton has dedicated his career to serving the community, starting with the Loma Linda Fire Department before joining the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District in March 2003. He holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational studies with a focus on Emergency Services Management from CSU Long Beach.
Josh has been actively involved in various capacities over the years, including USAR, the Pipes and Drums band, EMS, and serving on the Local 2274 Executive Board. He has also been a key contributor to the Spark of Love Toy Drive for many years of his tenure with the Fire District. Recently, Josh achieved a significant milestone by becoming the Fire District’s first EMS Captain. In this role, he focuses on advancing emergency medical training and supports innovative programs like the City’s first COAST (Community Outreach & Support Team). Additionally, he is playing a crucial role in the Ambulance Implementation Team for CONFIRE, preparing for the system’s launch on October 1, 2024.
Outside of work, Josh is a dedicated family man, married to Amanda, with seven children: Blaine, Quinton, Brett, Addison, Kane, Mitchell, and Uriah. He enjoys DJing, attending concerts, and is an avid supporter of the Carolina Panthers football team.
Congratulations Josh!
Non-Sworn Employee of the Year
Sandy Griffin, EMS Administrator, is named Non-Sworn Employee of the Year 2024!
Sandy joined the Fire District as the Quality Improvement Nurse in 2011 and has spent an instrumental role in the implementation of the Image Trend system, creation of QI standards, and the development of the HOCPR program. She has also focused on statistical tracking of STEMI's, strokes, and cardiac arrests for care and outcomes along with a host of other educational activities. As part of her role, she has been active on several committees, including Dispatch, STEMI, QI, and ePCR. In 2018 Sandy was promoted to EMS Administrator.
Sandy’s most recent accomplishments include being a part of the Ambulance Implementation Team for CONFIRE, ensuring that all medical standards and supplies are met for the go-live date set for October 1, 2024. Additionally, since 2021, Sandy has also served as an Emergency Communications Nurse in our CONFIRE dispatch center. In this capacity, Sandy will take lower acuity calls for service and provide patients with guidance for their care, ensuring that when 911 is called, people receive the right resources for their specific needs. These initiatives are a big lift for all organizations involved, and Sandy’s leadership and contribution, in addition to her regular responsibilities, is truly outstanding.
Before joining the Fire District, Sandy spent 25+ years as a trauma nurse, QI specialist, and continues to provide expert opinion and chart reviews for healthcare litigation. Sandy holds a Bachelor of Nursing, ACLS, PALS, BLS, and TNCC Instructor certificates.
Sandy has lived in Rancho Cucamonga for thirty years with her husband (of 31 years) and has four adult children. She enjoys golf, travel, and spending time with friends and family.
Congratulations Sandy!!!
Explorer of the Year
Eric Rico, is honored as the Explorer of the Year 2024!
Eric Rico currently resides in the city of Fontana with his parents and two sisters. While attending the explorer program he has completed his EMT schooling at American EMT academy and is looking to work as an EMT in the near future. He Will soon be completing his associate degree in Fire Technology at Mt. Sac. He will also be attending Crafton Hills Fire academy in the next upcoming Spring. During his free time, he enjoys fishing, working out, and spending time with family and friends. A fun fact about Rico is he attends a dodger baseball game every month during season.
Well done Eric!
Business Partner of the Year 2024
Jaime Ikenburg, Corrina Rojas and Stefanie Villalobos from Arrowhead Credit Union (ACU) will receive the Business Partner of the Year 2024 Award on Arrowhead Credit Union’s behalf.
ACU was founded in 1949 by San Bernardino County employees and provided small loans and payroll deductions to facilitate savings. It has since evolved into a full-service financial cooperative offering car loans, home loans, and checking accounts.
Established in 2013 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation, ArrowHeart Foundation gives back to the community through partnerships with other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. The Foundation believes in the philosophy of “people helping people.” Their work and the funds they raise stay local, benefiting the people and communities ACU serves. The Foundation hosts over 100 events annually and fulfills numerous donation requests through volunteerism, food and clothing donations, distributing essential bags to the unhoused, and awarding academic scholarships.
The donated Ford transit cargo van, a V6 gasoline, rear-wheel drive vehicle with approximately 56,568 miles, will be used for Rancho Cucamonga’s Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST). This van will be essential in providing on-the-street assistance and connecting individuals to vital services and resources, enhancing the COAST Team’s operational capabilities.
This donation fosters community involvement and support. The City of Rancho Cucamonga, Fire District, and Police Department are extremely grateful for ACU’s partnership.
Congratulations!
Team Citation Award
Town Center Station 178 and Electric Engine Project received the Team Citation Award 2024!
Thank you: Nuor Shatila, Nick Maksimuk, Justin Landvogt, David Chen, Larry Pollock, Ashley Carter, Paul Topoleski, Nick Johnson, Janae Rampone, Robert Goss, Rachel Cortez, Michelle Cowles, Stephanie Balzano, Darci Vogel, Chief Augie Barreda and Chief Harris for representing the team!
On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District staff and the Fire Board celebrated the opening of Fire Station #178. Centrally located at Town Center Drive and Terra Vista Parkway, the station was designed with an eye to the future, better preparing the city for the transition to net zero energy, zero-emission vehicles, and continuous operation through emergencies such as power outages and natural disasters. Fire Station #178 is also home to North America’s third Rosenbauer RTX electric fire engine. The electric fire engine supports the City of Rancho Cucamonga's efforts to be a sustainable community and prioritizes first responders' health and safety.
The successful opening of the new fire station and deployment of the Fire District’s first electric fire engine took months of preparation and planning by a highly dedicated team of Fire District personnel.
In order for the fire station to be move in ready, it needed to be outfitted with everything from general household accessories such as kitchen utensils, bedding, and furniture, to specialized operational equipment such as power tools, EMS supplies, and communications equipment. This large undertaking took months of coordination and involved a collaborative effort by both administrative and safety personnel who researched and inventoried all the items need, coordinated appropriate purchasing, and then unpacked and organized all of the items. The team’s hard work ensured the fire station was properly outfitted and ready to be operational.
In addition to the outfitting of the fire station, the crews assigned to Medic Engine 178 played a pivotal role in ensuring the new electric engine was ready to serve the community. The transition to an all-electric fire engine, marks a significant milestone in the Fire District’s commitment to blending storied traditions with cutting-edge innovation. This landmark change brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. The crew's exceptional efforts in adapting to a new driving, pumping, and operational platform have been instrumental in ensuring continued efficiency and effectiveness during emergency incidents. The successful integration of the all-electric fire engine is a testament to the crew's hard work, skill, and dedication. Their contributions exemplify how embracing innovation while honoring our traditions can lead to excellence in service and preparedness.
Congratulations to the Fire Station 178 and Electric Engine team for this remarkable achievement and for exemplifying the spirit of collaboration, progress, and tradition that defines Rancho Cucamonga Fire District.
Congratulations to the entire team!
Rancho Cucamonga Police Department Awardees
Deputy of the Year
Deputy Sheriff Jermal James is honored as Deputy of the year for 2024!
Deputy Jermal James, is a Southern California native, and has been employed by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since 2017. In March 2022, James was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department. He immediately embraced his role as a patrol deputy and is a valuable addition to the team. James currently serves as the School Resource Officer for Rancho Cucamonga High School. He is highly regarded by the students and is known for his rapport with everyone on campus.
In addition to mentoring the high school students, James is an Explorer Advisor at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station. James instructs the Explorer Scouts in police tactics, discipline and service to community. Based on James’ leadership and dedication to the program, the Rancho Cucamonga Explorer Post is one of the strongest and highest performing around.
Prior to James’ reassignment to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, James worked in the Centralized Classification Unit where he demonstrated an expertise in the identification of criminal street gangs. James applies this expertise in his patrol duties and as an instructor to other law enforcement officers.
Congratulations Deputy James!
Professional Staff of the Year
Sheriff’s Service Specialist, Cinthia Barboza is named as the Professional Staff of the Year for 2024!
Sheriff’s Service Specialist Cinthia Barboza has been employed with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since January 5, 2019. Cinthia has an extensive knowledge of the Sheriff’s Department’s operations with her previous work as an office specialist and dispatcher. Her current assignment brought her from behind the scenes into the field. As a sheriff’s service specialist, Cinthia takes criminal and traffic collision reports, assists with evidence collection, and trains new employees. Cinthia consistently remains a top producer in the number of reports taken at the station. Cinthia’s dedication and work ethic is recognized by her peers and supervisors. She is a leader and always shows up with a positive attitude and willingness to learn and help others. Cinthia hopes to build upon her experience and pursue a career as a deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Congratulations Cinthia!
COP / Volunteer of the Year:
Dean Kawasawa received the award of COP / Volunteer of the Year 2024!
Dean Kawasawa has been with the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department’s - Citizen on Patrol (COP) for 19 years in October. COPs assist deputies in the field and help with administrative duties and operations. They help as an extra set of eyes and ears while out on patrol. Dean serves on the COP board and keeps records on the team’s monthly volunteer hours. He also schedules volunteers for station events such as National Night Out, City Public Safety Open House, and various city events. Dean also volunteers with the Fontana Station's West Valley Search and Rescue helping to coordinate, plan, and organize search and rescue efforts in the Mount Baldy area. Additionally, he is a member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Volunteer Forces Incident Management Team. This team assists on large campaign/multi day searches/rescues, again in a logistics and support role.
Dean has worked for UPS going on 43 years working his way up from warehouse operations, driver, engineering, and now serves as an advanced analytics manager with UPS Corporate Operations Research.
Congratulations Dean!
Explorer of the Year
Jacob Garcia Blanco was named Explorer of the Year for 2024!
Jacob Garcia Blanco was sworn in as a Sheriff's Explorer assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Station on April 17, 2019. Jacob graduated from the explorer academy and served in various roles, eventually being promoted to explorer captain in January 2024.
Jacob is a leader within the explorer post and always shows up with a positive attitude and willingness to learn and help others. Jacob has volunteered countless hours with the explorer post to include ride-a-longs to gain experience and on-the-job perspectives from the deputies. Jacob has participated in various events such as the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station Open House, National Night out (Victoria Gardens), Thoroughbred Christmas lights, Sheriff’s Rodeo, Active Shooter training, and both the Las Vegas and Riverside County explorer competitions – where the team excelled in various events.
Jacob is 20 years old and plans to apply within the next year to be a deputy sheriff with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Congratulations on this momentous achievement Jacob!
Reserve Deputy of the Year
Ken Douglass, is named Reserve Deputy Sheriff of the Year 2024!
Ken Douglass has been a member of the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department for 29 years. Ken is always here to lend a helping hand to his coworkers. Whether it is with the Reserve Unit at the Rancho Cucamonga Station, the West Valley Mounted Posse, the Search and Rescue Incident Command Team or the Volunteer Forces Unit, Ken is always here with a smile and a positive attitude.
Ken is a dedicated volunteer where he is spending approximately 447 hours annually of his time off to volunteer as a reserve deputy. Ken goes above and beyond by donating hundreds of hours to assist our fulltime deputies with patrol functions, DUI Check Points, Quakes Baseball games, Christmas lights, and many more functions. You can always count on Ken to show up and help. Whether it is patrol functions, or a horse rescue in the hills of Rancho Cucamonga, Ken is there.
Ken is the one our station looks to and counts on to help get the job done. He exemplifies the meaning of public service, and he does it with an amazing attitude. For these reasons Ken Douglass is our Reserve Deputy of the Year.
Congratulations Ken!
Equestrian Patrol of the Year
Equestrian Patrol of the Year 2024, awardee is Carol Douglass.
Carol has dedicated time and service as a citizen volunteer with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for over 25 years. Her positions include Equestrian on Patrol, Mounted Posse, search and rescue deployments and is a key member of the volunteer academy staff. In the last 25 years Carol has assisted the department by strengthening relationships between law-enforcement and the community through events.
Carol has been in many roles between her units and is currently the secretary for the Rancho Cucamonga Equestrians on Patrol. She recently was recognized for donating over 6000 hours of dedicated service to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2024. These hours do not include the countless hours she has spent prepping her horse and trailer or the phone calls she fields on a regular basis. Carol is a dedicated and crucial member of the Equestrians on Patrol who exhibits selflessness and love for the community. For these reasons Carol is our Equestrians on Patrol volunteer of the year.
Thank you for your service Carol.
The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center Awardees
Humane Hero Award
Daniel Rodriguez, Animal Services Officer, is named Humane Hero Awardee for 2024!
Daniel started in public safety at the age of 16 as a volunteer for a police department and youth court. His passion for helping animals and people inspired him to continue to learn and take on different positions such as an animal licensing inspector and Animal Control Officer. In 2022, Daniel accepted the position of Animal Services Officer II with the City of Rancho Cucamonga. Since that time, Daniel has completed the CalAnimals Officer Academy and has received his Certified Animal Control Officer certificate (CACO). Daniel is most known for his kindness and willingness to help any animal or person in need. One of his favorite quotes is “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do"- Rumi
Thank you for all you do for the community Daniel! Congratulations
Pawsitive Impact Award
Dallas Shugart, Animal Center Volunteer, is named Pawsitive Impact Awardee for 2024!
Dallas transplanted from North Carolina to Southern California via the US Navy in 1972. After the Navy, Dallas worked and lived in the Inland Empire. When he retired in 2008, one of the first things he wanted to do was to work with animals. He started volunteering for the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center and has been an asset to the Animal Center’s programs ever since. He spends most of his time walking the large dogs, transporting animals to adoption partners, and assisting with community events. Dallas also volunteers with Rancho's CERT and ACS groups and is a Manager and Coach with the Alta Loma Little League Challenger baseball program.
Thank you for your service Dallas.
Pawsitive Impact Award
Linda Facer, Animal Center Volunteer, is named Pawsitive Impact Awardee 2024!
Linda’s love for animals started when her family immigrated from Canada and settled in a then rural farm area of California where she got to visit with a variety of dogs, cats, cows, and horses. In 1999, Linda married Ken Facer and became active in the Rancho Cucamonga community. Linda and Ken then retired in Granbury, Texas where Linda volunteered at an animal shelter. After Ken’s passing, Linda returned to Rancho Cucamonga and became a volunteer at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center. Linda helps the Animal Center with a variety of duties including laundry and transporting animals to shelter partners and wildlife rehabs. Linda is also a volunteer with the Lewis Family Playhouse. Linda has owned several rescue dogs, including a blind cocker spaniel and a crippled chihuahua that was adopted from the Animal Center. The Animal Center is grateful for Linda’s contributions and all she does to promote the health and happiness for all our community animals.
Thank you Linda, and congratulations!
Community Improvement Department Awardees for 2024
Community Compassion Award
Benjamin Saravia, Community Improvement Officer II, is named Community Compassion Awardee for 2024!
Meet Ben, the heart and soul of community compassion in Rancho Cucamonga! Since joining the City of Rancho Cucamonga in 2022, Ben has been a beacon of care and commitment, following an impressive 11-year tenure as a Custody Officer in Santa Monica. From day one, Ben has shown that his dedication goes far beyond the call of duty.
In his very first week with Rancho Cucamonga, Ben demonstrated his extraordinary compassion when he helped a woman in desperate need. After a hazardous condition clean-up left her without basic necessities, Ben and a fellow Community Improvement Officer sprang into action. They secured a couch, blankets, and pillows, ensuring she had a place to sleep. Ben didn’t hesitate to send pictures of the couch in his truck to his manager, exemplifying his readiness to go above and beyond.
Ben’s big heart and deep understanding of the Rancho Way are evident in everything he does. He spends countless hours engaging with reporting parties, the homeless, and others in need, making a genuine impact on their lives. His dedication is matched only by his love for the city and his pride in serving his home community.
With a track record of success in reaching compliance, Ben handles one of the busiest areas of the city with exceptional skill and enthusiasm. He thrives on working closely with business and property owners to resolve cases and improve the community.
When he’s not making a difference at work, Ben enjoys quality time with his lovely family, fishing, camping, and exploring photography. His commitment to giving back and his passion for his city make him a deserving recipient of the First-Ever Public Safety Community Improvement Compassion Award.
Congratulations Ben!
Community Improvement Officer of the Year
Matthew Gillespie, Code Enforcement Officer II, is named Community Improvement Officer of the Year for 2024.
Meet Matt, our very own superhero of Community Improvement! Since 2021, Matt has been making Rancho Cucamonga shine, following a stellar 13-year stint in San Bernardino, where he spent the last 6 years as a Code Enforcement Officer. Why did Matt choose to work for TEAM RC? Because Rancho Cucamonga is his home, he’s on a mission to make it the best place for everyone!
Matt is passionate about his community and leads the charge on programs and events that make a real difference. Whether it’s coordinating with city divisions, government agencies, or the public, he’s always at the forefront of initiatives that contribute to the city’s improvement. Matt’s commitment goes beyond his role; he’s a mentor and leader who inspires his team and fosters positive change.
With certifications galore, including Certified Code Enforcement Officer, Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator, and Advanced CPTED, plus his current quest to become a certified drone pilot, Matt is all about top-notch service and innovation.
When he’s not enhancing community safety and well-being, Matt is a devoted GIRL DAD who loves spending time with his wife and two daughters. He’s also a golf enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, sports fan, and cherished friend.
Matt is being honored with the Public Safety Community Improvement Officer of the Year 2024 Award for his exceptional leadership, stellar communication, incredible work ethic, and unwavering dedication to making Rancho Cucamonga a better place.
Congratulations, Matt—you truly make our community a fantastic place to live!
Community Improvement Volunteer of the Year
Dennis Foster, is named Community Improvement Volunteer of the Year for 2024.
We are thrilled to present the Community Improvement Volunteer Award to Dennis Foster. For 35 years, Dennis has been a dedicated resident in our city.
Married to his beloved wife Mary for 26 years, Dennis retired from AT&T and has since focused on enhancing our community. Since starting at the Rancho Resource Center in 2016, he has also been a steadfast volunteer at the Senior Center. Dennis's tireless efforts in cleaning up the city, addressing blight, and managing code violations reflect his deep commitment to improving our city.
Dennis’s selfless dedication and his main hobby of serving others make him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
We are honored to recognize Dennis as Volunteer of the Year.
The Committee: Rhonda Kelippio, Mark Guirguis, Gina Molina, Nicole Dalton, Veronica Fincher, Carrie Rios, Vicky Avena and emcee Mark Cloud.
To our Event Coordinator, Vanessa Nelson – Thank you!
To all the awardees, Congratulations! Thank you for all you do!
The Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Staff