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Commentary: Police make life in Newport possible

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March 28’s 43rd annual Police Appreciation Breakfast celebrated the concept that “city matters.”

Hosted by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the Maseeh family and Hoag Hospital, more than 500 people attended to honor the heroic actions, teamwork and dedication of the police officers, staff and volunteers who serve the city of Newport Beach.

Everything in Newport Beach we enjoy — our beautiful environment, manageable traffic, low crime rate, accessible and ample public facilities, the list goes on and on — is possible in large part due to the hardworking men and women of the Newport Beach Police Department. Police Chief Jay Johnson and Mayor Rush Hill bestowed on these men and women awards for lifesaving, volunteerism and performance of duty beyond the call of employment.

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This year’s event, emceed by Eileen Frere, Orange County bureau chief for ABC7 Eyewitness News, especially highlighted that the dedication of the awardees is not just a city matter, but also a family matter. Daniel Querry, nephew of Police Department employees Andi and Randy Querry, opened the ceremony with a stirring and passionate rendition of the national anthem. Officers brought their spouses, children and parents to the ceremony, many of whom also dedicate their lives to police work, and it was more than inspiring to see these generations of families.

For example, Volunteer of the Year Stan Bressler founded the department’s police explorer program in 1971. For more than 45 years, Bressler has mentored thousands of young men and women, many progressing to careers in law enforcement, including his son, Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Dan Bressler, who proudly waved from the audience when Stan received his award.

Civilian Employee of the Year Desiree Basich brought her mother, Ursula Basich, to the breakfast. Coincidentally Ursula also received the award for Civilian Employee of the Year just last week from the Costa Mesa Police Department.

One of the last awards, Reserve Officer of the Year, was given to Reserve Officer Steven Schogel for the fifth time since 1991. Schogel spent 271 hours working for the department in 2013, mostly in prisoner transportation duties, and as a member of the department’s SWAT team.

These accomplished and dedicated men and women, along with all the men and women of the Newport Beach Police Department, deserve this annual celebration, as they truly make a great city like Newport Beach possible and exemplify that “city matters!”

ROBYN B. GRANT lives in Newport Beach.

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