“I feel like I was swimming upstream there for a minute,” joked Santa Paula Police Chief Steve MacKinnon after he and the Santa Paula Police Department officers stepped aside as the firefighters and their families left the Council Chambers.Chief MacKinnon first introduced Police Lieutenants Michael Saviers and Carlos Juarez, noting that their promotions reflected a department reorganization. The SPPD replaced the former Commander position with the rank of Lieutenant at the recommendation of the police management audit conducted several years ago.Also introduced were newly promoted SPPD Sergeants Robert Cooper and Joey de los Reyes. SPPD Officers Rosalinda Madrigal and Daryl Stone were also sworn into office by Mayor Luna, as were Police Reserve Officers Ian Tausig and Michael Levy.
City Council introduced to SPPD, SPFD new hires and promotions
January 26, 2007
Santa Paula City Council
City Council Chambers were bursting at the January 2 meeting, with dozens of relatives and friends of police and firefighters who were on hand to witness the induction of new members and congratulate those who have been promoted.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesCity Council Chambers were bursting at the January 2 meeting, with dozens of relatives and friends of police and firefighters who were on hand to witness the induction of new members and congratulate those who have been promoted.“It’s a great honor tonight to introduce new firefighters and those who have been promoted,” said Fire Chief Rick Araiza. “Everyone is excited... and there’s plenty of family here.” Chief Araiza noted that spouses or significant others would pin the badges on their firefighter.The Council learned that Jerry Byrum - who joined the Santa Paula Fire Department in 1989 - and Gil Segovia - a SPFD member since 2002 - have been promoted to the rank of Fire Captain. Matt Lindsey - whose family has a long history of SPFD participation - has joined the department as a firefighter, and Austin Macias, whose brother is a SPPD officer, was promoted to Engineer. Reserve Firefighters Justin Galvez, Shane Harris, Brad Peters and Damien Shilo also officially received their SPFD badges and were sworn into office by Mayor Ray Luna, a retired City of Ventura firefighter.
