Police Chief earns 2002 Spurgeon Award

Little Dave Snowden loved and idolized on-screen cowboys.

As it turned out, he became one in real life.

The Costa Mesa Police Chief received the 2002 Spurgeon Award on

Wednesday for taking a leadership role in the explorer program

founded in Orange County by Bill Spurgeon. The program helps

teenagers between ages 14 and 20 to explore their interests in

various fields of work, including law enforcement.

Snowden received the award at a special luncheon that the Learning

for Life of Orange County organized.

In his acceptance speech, the chief emphasized the need to “set an

example.”

“Adults have the responsibility to set an example for kids,” he

said. “When I was a child, my dad set an example for me. My cowboy

heroes set examples for me.”

Snowden, who became emotional toward the end of the ceremony, said

the award meant a lot to him.

“It is significant because of what it represents,” he said. “My

receiving this award will hopefully inspire others to do the same. We

need to give our kids the opportunity to succeed and lead.”

Snowden also emphasized the importance of teaching young people

what is right and wrong.

“We need to teach them that there is no gray area when it comes to

right and wrong,” he said.

Mayor Linda Dixon, who was present with the rest of the City

Council, said Snowden has always done what is best for the city.

“We’re very proud of his activities and the great example he sets

for his peers and others to be involved in the community,” she said.

“It’s an honor for our city to see him honored.”

Dixon said Snowden is “warm, understanding and sensitive.”

“He’s warm, caring and nonjudgmental,” she said. “And those are

great qualities that shatter common [police] stereotypes.”

Costa Mesa Fire Chief Jim Ellis said Snowden receiving the award

inspires him.

“This makes it easier for the rest of us because now we know what

to aim for,” said Ellis, who heads the Explorer Program at the Fire

Department. “[Snowden] is my brother in law enforcement. He’s been a

mentor to me and I’m very proud of him.”