CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - September’s luncheon opened with the Pledge of Allegiance before Chaplain Debra Fontes and Citrus Heights Police Chief Ron Lawrence spoke in remembrance of 9/11.

“Let us remember what was lost on this day seventeen years ago, but even more importantly, we remember that this day is a reminder of our nation’s unity, resilience, and strength,” said Fontes. “May all of our endeavors here today make us stronger tomorrow.”

Chief Lawrence said that “this is the first year that we’ll have seniors graduating from high school who were just being born when that tragedy occurred, which means that the next generation will not know what that moment was like. Those of us in this room probably distinctly remember where we were, what we were doing, and what we felt like. And for a few brief weeks after that tragic incident this country was united like I have never experienced in my life.”

“The truth is, it’s not going take a national, a political party, or some big movement to make things better in our country, it’s going to take communities just like ours right here in Citrus Heights banding together and having those moments of clarity of who we are, what we’re about, and what brings us together as a city.”

Following the introduction of dignitaries and sponsors, Sgt. Wes Herman spoke about the newly created Mesa Verde High School Pathway Program, a “multi-year educational opportunity” for high school students to focus on academics and career opportunities. “For eighteen weeks, they get an opportunity to explore the different fields,” he said. “After that, they have an eighteen week internship in our police department or a neighboring department where they’ll get hands-on experience.” Currently, 18 students, many from outside of Citrus Heights, are enrolled.

Presentations about the Citrus Heights Police Foundation by Lt. Chad Morris and Student Connect by Haley Reid followed. A motorcycle skills challenge and safety fair on September 29 will benefit the foundation. Backpacks and other school supplies will be distributed on the same day at Advent Lutheran Church.

Education Committee Chair Rosa Umbach introduced the CHPD Youth and Family Services Unit - Sgt. Wesley Herman, Juvenile Detective William Dunning, School Resource Officer Barron Cox, School Resource Office Jacob Davis, JDEP Coordinator Judie Cooper, and PAL Coordinator Kendahl Smallwood. Certificates were presented by the Citrus Heights City Council and the offices of Congressman Ami Bera, Senator Jim Nielsen, Assemblyman Ken Cooley, and Supervisor Sue Frost.

Chief Lawrence presented the “State of the Police Department” report. “We could not do our job unless our community has complete faith and trust in your police department. This community loves our police department, and we love you.”

Lawrence praised the professionalism of the men and women in the twelve-year-old department. The budget, he said, has come in at or under for the eight years he has been chief. Crime rates are down overall and the trend continues. He addressed the importance of Citrus Heights having its own “full service police department.”

Initiatives during the past 18 months include a regional approach to homelessness, drone program, and housing inspection unit. CHPD is on two area task forces, partners with WEAVE, recently secured a $450,000 three-year grant to help pay for the program, and operates a mobile crisis team three days a week which is expected to grow to daily service.

Jonathan Glatz, representative of Assemblyman Ken Cooley’s office, presented Chief Ron Lawrence with an Assembly Resolution. “On behalf of Assemblyman Cooley, I want to thank Chief Lawrence and the members of the Citrus Heights Police Department for all the work that they do on a daily basis keeping us safe and for the sacrifices they make to the people of Citrus Heights.”

Chief Lawrence accepted on behalf of the department and recognized the City Council. “Your support means a lot. We could not do what we do without you.” 

For additional information about the Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce, visit www.chchamber.com. For additional information about the Citrus Heights Police Department, visit www.citrusheights.net/222/Police. For additional information about the motorcycle skills challenge, visit www.sunrisemallonline.com/event/traffic-safety-day-and-police-motorcycle-skills-challenge/2145510611.