Laguna’s Exchange Club, police honor city’s finest

Andrew Edwards

Laguna Beach Officer Jim Cota’s on a roll. He won two awards for his

police work, and yet when asked to comment he would rather lavish

praise on his co-workers.

The Exchange Club of Laguna Beach, a community service

organization, first named Cota Police Officer of the Year. Then his

co-workers honored Cota with the Medal of Merit.

He was quick to thank his co-workers, especially the 4 p.m. to 4

a.m. night shift.

“They are committed, they are proactive and aggressive in making

sure our city remains safe throughout the night and early morning,”

Cota said.

The Exchange Club also saluted dispatcher Yvette Barbariwith the

Civilian Employee of the Year award.

The department honored many other officers, staff and volunteers

at a recent banquet. Cota and Barbari earned the top awards.

Cota trains new officers. Before that, he worked on the bicycle

patrol and in narcotics investigations.

As a dispatcher, Barbari sends Laguna officers to a variety of

emergencies great and small from the average bar fight to complaints

of vandals burning lifeguard stands. She has even fielded a call

about uncommonly big crickets.

“It’s a wonderful job,” Barbari said. “It’s very challenging, very

unpredictable, never the same from one day to the next but that’s

what I love about it.”

The Exchange Club also honored Dylan Metzler18, as Explorer of the

Year. Orange County Deputy District Atty. Chris Kralick received the

Department’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Award.

Laguna Beach Police gave the Civilian Appreciation Award to Michel

Melki, whose tips helped investigators in March arrest Mario

Caballero, a suspect wanted on suspicion of five burglaries at the

Laguna Surf Resort.

“This is clearly an example of why community-oriented policing

works,” Police Chief James Spreinesaid.

Ribbons of Commendation were awarded to motor Officer Tony White,

Det. Zach Martinez and Records Manager Dawn Garner.

Investigators Mike Rosanelli and Chris Heuberger received ribbons

for arresting a man caught on tape saying he wanted his business

partner assaulted.

Commendations were given to reserve Officers Walter Yong, Tom

Wall, Benjamin Teschner, Lance Larson and Ted Brumner.

Volunteer Service Commendations were awarded to Earl Vannoy,

Marilyn Thomas, Les Thomas, Jean Lamphere, Ross Fallah, Monique

Daniel, Luci Berkowitz and Alarm Officer Jay Rubin.