Alex Turcotte, left, received praise from retiring County Supervisor Sue Frost, far right. Photo courtesy of Stones Gambling Hall

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Citrus Heights Police Chief Alex Turcotte was presented with the 21 Award at the ninth annual Stones Gambling Hall 21 Award Reception on Dec. 12.

Many Citrus Heights leaders, past and present, attended, from City Council, city staff, Sacramento County and the Citrus Heights Police Department, to honor the 2024 recipient of the award. The award is named after the blackjack hand. 

Stone’s owner Kermit Schayltz introduced the guests of honor, including County Supervisor Sue Frost, Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa, City Council members, City Manager Ash Feeney and former 21 Award recipient, the city’s first Police Chief, Christoper Boyd.

One poignant moment was the introduction of Connie Turner, wife of former Mayor Mel Turner, who served as mayor from 2013 to 2014 and was the recipient of the first 21 Award. He passed away in 2017 and was very active with the police department and in many other aspects of the city, carrying on the tradition of strong community involvement.

After guests arrived, Schayltz introduced Turcotte. He read that the award “is presented to a member of the community who has shown commitment and dedication to the advancement of the city of Citrus Heights, with a history of leadership and who has demonstrated a passion for making a difference.” 

Turcotte thanked Schayltz, acknowledging Stone’s strong support for the police department, military and fire service and its support of the Police Activities League (PAL) and service clubs.

Schayltz noted Turcotte came to Citrus Heights in October 2006 as a patrol officer and “has been with us for 18 years.”  Turcotte was past president of the Rotary Club and has been working with Paul Reyes and Post 637 on the creation of a permanent replica of the Vietnam wall in Citrus Heights.

Alex Turcotte, far left, received many certificates of recognition. Photo courtesy of Stones Gambling Hall

 

Under the leadership of Chris Boyd, Frost said, Turcotte and Boyd were always interwoven as part of the community. Under Boyd’s leadership, Turcotte worked his way up quickly in every position while creating Police Activities League and other ways to work with the city’s youth, showing them that the police are “the good guys.”

Turcotte introduced his family, relaying with damp eyes that “my dad is my hero” and taught him his work ethic, saying, “Don’t quit until the job is done.” His mother taught him to “question everything… and make sure you check your facts.”

Turcotte thanked his boss, City Manager Feeney. He noted there is now a heavy focus on quality of life in the city. Feeney, the City Council and other colleagues “have been in lockstep to make the city brighter and better. We have problems but never lack support!”

The foundation of the police department has been grounded in that community partnership and police philosophy.

“We don’t take no for an answer or worry about what the legislature’s trying to do to us. We just get out there and get the job done,” Turcotte said.

Turcotte thanked Commanders Kris Frey and Mike Wells for running the place for him when necessary.

“And to our command staff: you are creating an environment that makes our staff successful. The real true heroes aren’t here tonight because the true heroes are out there keeping the drunks off the road and protecting our businesses,” he added.

City Manager Ash Feeney, left, was in attendance at the ninth annual Stones Gambling Hall 21 Award Reception. Photo courtesy of Stones Gambling Hall

On a more personal note, Turcotte’s mother said, “We’re very proud of him. We had no idea when he moved up here in 2006 how fast everything was going to take place. He has been involved in the police department at every single level and has brought so much into the department.”

Turcotte, when asked by the newspaper about receiving this award, responded on Dec. 16 with grace.

“Receiving the 2024 Stones 21 award is a great honor,” Turcotte said. “I am blessed to have spent the past 18 years at CHPD, working with some of the best law enforcement professionals in the business. Their passion for safeguarding life, protecting property, and improving the quality of life for our community has led to wonderful innovations and success. Our City Council, city manager and city directors share this passion and provide exceptional collaboration and support. Our residents and business owners take pride in their city and are not afraid to pitch in and help make the community a little better every day.  I count myself lucky to have the opportunity to lead such a fine agency and look forward to the success the future will bring for Citrus Heights.”