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| Gang detective named Officer of the Year |
| By visaliatimesdelta.com |
| Published: 01/06/2010 |
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Tulare police Cpl. Jerod Boatman and Detective Jess Guzman have a few things in common. They are currently assigned to the department's gang unit and are die-hard sports fans. The list of shared characteristics has just grown a little longer. Guzman is the department's Officer of the Year for 2009, having been chosen in December. The honor lands him on an esteemed list that includes Boatman, last year's award recipient; retired Police Chief Roger Hill; Lt. Larry Brooksher; Sgt. Darron Altermatt; and Detective Gregg Merrill. "It's a great honor to be named," Guzman said. Guzman has been with the Tulare Police Department about three years and with its gang unit the past 18 months. "He has flourished in the gang unit," Boatman said. "He's an outstanding investigator. He has great rapport with his gang contacts." Experience gave him a running start when he joined the Tulare department. "Jess has been a hard worker since coming over from the Sheriff's Department," Boatman said. Guzman worked in the Tulare County Sheriff's Department from 1999 to 2006. His assignments included duty at the jail and in transportation, concentrating on gangs. As in previous years, the process to select the award's recipient was twofold. It began with an open nomination phase in which officers throughout the department submitted names. The two top vote-getters then faced off in another vote. Working in the same unit, Boatman said he knew a lot about the challenging cases Guzman worked. "He had a great year, [including] some of the cases and high-profile offenders he helped identify, locate or arrest," Boatman said. "I am sure that was fresh in the officers' minds." As part of the gang unit, Guzman has responsibilities that include making contacts with gang members and investigating crimes believed to be gang-related. Boatman said he voted for Guzman. "The other officers were able to recognize his work," Boatman said. "I am proud of him." Guzman also has received an award from the Tulare County Latino Peace Officers Association. He was recommended for it by his department. Read More. |
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