Murrieta Police Recognize Key Employees, Volunteers

Murrieta Police Officer Jay Elliot was the first to respond to a call of a "baby not breathing" on March 19, 2010.

He tirelessly perfromed CPR until medical aid arrived, continuing the CPR as he rode with the baby in an ambulance. 

"While the lifesaving effort was unfortunately unsuccessful, the family witnessed Officer Elliott’s valiant efforts to save their child, which gave them comfort knowing everything possible was done," said Lt. Sean Hadden as Elliot was recognized Tuesday along with 14 other police employees and volunteers.

Elliot was selected by Murrieta Police Chief Mark Wright to receive one of eight Chief's Citation awards. Four awards were given out for Distinguished Service; there were also Volunteer of the Year, Officer of the Year and Employee of the Year awards given out.

"This is an opportunity to showcase some of the talented folks in our department, which is why we have such a great police department," said Chief Wright. "We can't give everyone an award, but this is a pretty good representation."

Murrieta Police Officer Matt Mozingo was among those who became involved in a vehicle pursuit of a suspected bank robber on Dec. 6, 2010. As Mozingo and fellow officers pursued the suspect to Sun City, the suspect crashed his car and ran off. Mozingo is credited with cornering the suspect, who then allegedly pointed a gun at him. Mozingo opened fired, not critically injuring the suspect.

Mozingo also received a Chief's Citation award, for his professional conduct during the incident.

"The suspect fell to the ground, abandoned his handgun and was taken into custody. For his professional demeanor throughout this incident, (he) is commended for his exceptional performance," Hadden said.

Also receiving a Chief's Citation award was Cpl. Scott Montez. Montez took part in the investigation surrounding a shooting that occurred on Feb. 10, 2010. From a photo of the suspect, Montez recognized him as a violent gang member he'd arrested a few years back. Montez was instrumental in securing the suspect's arrest within 20 hours.

Detective Kelly Sik was attributed with recovering electronics and belongings stolen from several cars, including Mayor Randon Lane's iPod, the department later found out. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of the thefts, plus found in possession of 14 tablets of ecstasy and 39 bags of marijuana packaged for sale.

For their peformance during the "especially traumatic event" when fellow dispatcher Leanna McConnaughey collapsed near the end of her shift and later died in the hospital, dispatchers Auralee McGinnis, Ami Hicks, Kelly Thoman and Linda Cobos were recognized.

Volunteers are also important to the department. Police volunteers Bob Friedrich and Don Eberle were recognized with Distinguished Service awards for more than 15 years of service. Besides giving time each week to code enforcement, they volunteer for City events such as United Day of Caring, Tour de Murrieta, the Every 15 Minutes Program, Santa Runs, the City Birthday Bash and the Father's Day Car Show.

These stories were just a few shared with family, friends, City officials and fellow police department employees during the annual recognition ceremony held in City Council chambers. It was the first year Chief Wright elected not to do it in conjunction with their annual Christmas party. He'd wanted others to be able to share in the occasion, and having it a City Hall allowed more to attend.

Following the ceremony, everyone was invited back to the Police Station to enjoy refreshments.

Natalie Mozingo, whose husband received a Chief's Citation award, said he definitely deserved it.

"He always does his best and he is very loyal to this department," Natalie said.

Ironically, the couple met when working at the Chula Vista Police Department. Natalie is now a dispatcher at the Escondido Police Department, while her husband works for Murrieta. She received an employee of the year award this year, also.

Councilman Doug McAllister  commended the department as whole for its continued ranking as one of the Top 10 safest cities in the U.S.

"We are not trying to catch up. We are staying ahead of the curve...Because of you we can deliver the quality of lives to our citizens that we do," McAllister said.

Here is a complete list of those recognized:

Volunteer  of the Year     Chaplain Steve Wimberly

Employee of the Year      Dispatcher Sylvia Ortner  

Officer  of the Year          Corporal John Therien  

Distinguished Service     Officer Kent Chivington  

Distinguished Service     Volunteer Bob Friedrich

Distinguished Service     Volunteer Don Eberle

Distinguished Service     Officer Frank LaVigne  

Chief’s Citation                  Officer Matt Mozingo

Chief’s Citation                  Officer Jay Elliot                             

Chief’s Citation                  Corporal Scott Montez

Chief’s Citation                  Officer John Nelson  

Chief’s Citation                  Dispatch Lead Kelly Thoman

Chief’s Citation                  Dispatcher Linda Cobos

Chief’s Citation                  Dispatcher Auralee McGinnis

Chief’s Citation                  Dispatcher Ami Hicks