By Sheri Ledbetter, UC Irvine
For nearly 20 years, the UC Irvine Police Department (UCIPD) has celebrated employees who’ve demonstrated exceptional service. Honorees are peer-nominated, with an internal committee making the final decisions, and an awards banquet is held every two years. Recently, the UCIPD recognized more than a dozen individuals in specific categories.
“To all members of the UC Irvine Police Department, thank you,” said Chief Liz Griffin. “Every day, you work hard, with a true commitment to keeping our university and UC Irvine Health communities safe. Your dedication to safety for our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors reflects your spirit of service that defines this department. I am proud to celebrate you and the profound impact you have on the well-being of our campus community.”
Police Officer of the Year Award
Cpl. P. Cortez received the Police Officer of the Year award for being not only an outstanding officer but also a dedicated teammate, a continuous learner and a leader in every sense of the word, according to her nomination. A field training officer, 40 mm instructor and member of the UC Systemwide Response Team, she has consistently demonstrated an exceptional level of skill, professionalism and dedication, the nomination said.
Two years ago, Cortez and her partner responded to a vehicle accident on campus caused by a medical emergency. It was her swift and decisive response, Griffin noted, that undoubtedly saved a life — making her a recipient of the Lifesaving Award as well.
Cortez also took the lead in forming a UCIPD flag football team, bringing officers together to encourage bonds outside the work environment – though unfortunate circumstances kept the team from playing.
In addition, she took the initiative to help build a team for the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay, working closely with the police officers union to ensure that the UCIPD continues to participate in this event. And Cortez recently earned a master’s degree at USC.
Griffin said: “It’s no surprise that Cpl. P. Cortez was nominated for this honor by her peers, supervisors and support staff. She’s an officer who leads by example, and she embodies everything the UCIPD strives to be as a department. Cpl. P. Cortez is a shining example of what it means to be a public servant.”
Lifesaving Award
Public Safety Responder Jose Gallardo received the Lifesaving Award, which recognizes department members whose direct actions have saved a life.
While stationed at one of UC Irvine Medical Center’s posts last year in the early morning hours, Gallardo was confronted with a critical emergency when a man ran into the Orange building seeking help for his brother, who had suffered a heart attack outside.
Gallardo and a triage nurse rushed to the scene, where they found the individual collapsed at the base of some stairs. He quickly advised dispatch of the emergency and requested medical assistance.
The nurse checked for a pulse but found none. Gallardo initiated chest compressions. After the first cycle of these, the nurse detected a pulse, and the man was responsive.
Thanks to the immediate actions of Gallardo and the coordinated efforts with medical staff, the person was stabilized and then transported to the trauma bay for continued care.
“PSR Gallardo’s decisive action, calm demeanor and dedication truly made the difference that morning, giving the family more precious moments with their loved one,” Griffin said.
Professional Staff of the Year Award
The Professional Staff of the Year award honors an employee who has demonstrated exceptional performance, has provided outstanding customer service and has fostered positive relationships with co-workers and the community. This year’s recipient is Monique Contreras ’22, property and evidence analyst and court liaison.
She was instrumental in helping the UCI Police Department achieve the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators accreditation. It was her work that met and exceeded 29 rigorous standards in property and evidence management. She also restructured the firearms destruction process, developing comprehensive checklists that improved accountability and efficiency, earning praise from the command staff.
Contreras conducts bimonthly evidence room audits – well beyond the required annual standard. Each summer, she performs a full audit of over 3,000 evidentiary items, compiling detailed reports that preserve evidence integrity and ensure legal compliance.
As a court liaison, Contreras handles subpoenas, discovery requests and case management, collaborating with external agencies and legal teams.
Her dedication in pursuing an Orange County grant for the Proposition 69 DNA program has significantly enhanced the UCIPD’s ability to maintain critical evidence. Thanks to Contreras’ efforts, the department will receive funding for a state-of-the-art drying cabinet, a laboratory freezer, a refrigerator and a DNA processing evidence workstation – essential tools for ensuring the integrity of evidence handling.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Monique’s positivity and teamwork inspire those around her,” Griffin said. “Whether helping colleagues, volunteering her time to assist with department events or contributing to the ‘fun committee,’ she always goes the extra mile with a smile and a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
Additional award recipients
Congratulations to the following colleagues and community member:
- Public Safety Responder of the Year: Daniel Aguilar
- Lifesaving Award: Chris Patton, police officer
- Lifesaving Award: Ryan Sweeney, public safety responder
- Lifesaving Award: Cuauhtemoc Gomex, police officer
- Public Safety Ambassador of the Year: Moayad Qidan
- Community Safety Ambassador of the Year: Alexandra Magana
- Community Partnership Award: Robert Cervantes, UC Irvine Health facility maintenance superintendent
- Supervisor of the Year: Sgt. Chris Bolano ’88
- Community Partnership Award: Craig Takata, owner/operator of UC Irvine Chick-fil-A