Being good at your job is one thing, but Luman described McKenzie as also a good person who shows initiative and dependability.
“He’s the consummate team player,” said Lt. Rob Morton.
The number of DUI citations McKenzie has issued was not immediately available Tuesday, a police spokesman said.
Lt. Craig Fox described McKenzie as a positive role model with a great attitude. The recognition adds to a growing list of accomplishments for the officer, who was previously an Orange County marshal. He’s also earned a merit award from his work with the department and is one of the department’s defensive tactics instructors.
Other go-to officers were also recognized for their contributions to the city.
Jonathan Sunshine was named Reserve Officer of the Year. Last year, he witnessed the hit-and-run crash that killed TapouT founder Charles “Mask” Lewis on Jamboree Road and called for assistance. Blocks away, police arrested Jeffrey David Kirby, the driver accused of causing Lewis to crash. Kirby has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter.
Josh Comte and Mike Fletcher were given lifesaving awards for their efforts during a home invasion robbery in Newport Coast. When a group of men forced their way into the home and tied up the nine or so people inside and began pistol-whipping some of them in December, Comte and Fletcher were among the first on scene.
Emergency medical responders later credited the two with sparing one of the victims who suffered head trauma from the blows from further injury.
Honorees
Lifesaving Awards
Jeff Perkins
Jennifer Allen and Adam Gilbert
Jonathan Jarema
Keith Krallman and Kristen O’Donnell
Josh Comte and Mike Fletcher
Merit Awards
Matt Wood and Sam Sa
Charlie Beswick
Jay Short, Dave Miner, Scott Smith, Glen Garrity, Michelle Shean, Don Gage and Keith Krallman
Volunteer of the Year
Lisa Murphy
Reserve Officer of the Year
Jonathan Sunshine
Civilian of the Year
Dispatcher Anne Donnelly
Supervisor of the Year
Sgt. John Freeman
Officer of the Year
Tracy McKenzie
