Newport Beach police honor top officers

Greg Risling

NEWPORT BEACH -- The Police Department recognized its top officers and

reserves Tuesday morning at its annual awards ceremony at the Hyatt

Newporter.

The event serves a dual purpose -- to honor those who have exhibited a

strong work ethic, and it’s an opportunity for the public to meet the

city’s police force.

Among those rewarded for their contributions include:

-- Mark James, Officer of the Year. James has worked for the department

since 1988 and is assigned to the traffic division as a motorcycle

officer.

“He’s a very steady and professional guy,” Sgt. Mike McDermott said. “I

don’t think he has ever said a harsh word to anybody since he’s been

here. He’s done a tremendous job.”

-- Shelly Santy, Supervisor of the Year. Santy supervises the dispatch

section of the support services division. She has been with the

department since 1996, joining the Newport force after spending 25 years

with the Los Angeles Police Department.

-- Jamye Rogers, Civilian Employee of the Year. Rogers works in the

traffic division, where he takes care of animal control. He has spent 10

years at his position.

-- Chip Cuthbert, Reserve Officer of the Year. Cuthbert works part-time

in the patrol division, where he helps with transportation needs. He also

assists officers in editing and recording with the department’s video

cameras. Cuthbert has spent 16 years with the department.

-- Brad Waite, Volunteer of the Year. Waite was the department’s

first-ever volunteer, starting in 1994. He currently works in the traffic

division.

Other service awards also were presented. Officer Mike DeLadurantey was

given two awards -- the Medal of Valor for attempting to rescue a

drowning victim in heavy surf last May, and an Award of Merit for

disarming a mentally handicapped man.

DeLadurantey noticed the handgun brandished by the man was a replica and

was able to persuade him to drop it and then surrender.