Costa Mesa police honor seven promoted

Lauryn Ciszek didn’t need her father to be a police officer to earn her respect — but it doesn’t hurt.

“Like for any parent I have respect for him,” Lauryn said. “But it’s a deeper respect because of what he does.”

Seven officers — including Lauryn’s father, Robert Ciszek — were honored with promotions by the Costa Mesa Police Department, and awards were given to four employees at a promotions ceremony Thursday afternoon that saw more than 150 friends, family and fellow officers applaud the success of their peers and loved ones.

Three officers went from corporal to sergeant, two from officer to sergeant, and two sergeants were promoted to lieutenant at the ceremony. The new positions will take effect Sunday.

Awards for volunteer, civilian, officer and supervisor of the year were given as peers nominated their fellow employees for each honor. A group later made a decision who received each award based on the nominations.

“Promotion means change, challenge and opportunity,” Police Chief Chris Shawkey said during his address to those in attendance. He pointed to the ceremony as a symbol of the department’s effort to improve continually.

As each officer being promoted was honored, pictures flashed on television screens behind them. Some received adoring “awwws” but many were greeted with laughter as the pictures often revisited the high school and academy days for the officers.

Such was the case for Ciszek, whose high school picture of him with long, wavy brown hair brought so much laughter from the crowd the presentation was stopped for a few moments. The camaraderie was a lighter side of police usually not seen in the public eye.

Treats displayed on tables were cookies on sticks with the faces of each person recognized pictured on top.

“You can take a bite out of dad later,” Sgt. Phil Myers said playfully to Ciszek’s children as he passed them a souvenir. Myers took on the emcee duties for the event.

The event marked the last promotions until summer or sometime after, according to Sgt. Bryan Glass.

Shawkey and Myers both gave thanks for the support from community members, friends, family and organizations toward the department.

Alex Ciszek, the middle daughter in the Ciszek family, also wanted to show her support for the new lieutenant.

“I am very proud to call him my father,” she said.

HONORED INDIVIDUALS

Volunteer of the Year — Dwight Moore

Civilian of the Year — Lily Martinez

Officer of the Year — Brent McKinley

Supervisor of the Year — Scott May

Lieutenant Promotions — Paul Dondero and Robert Ciszek

Sergeant Promotions — Bryan Wadkins, Darrel Raney, Jerry Hildeman, Ed Everett and David Makiyama

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at daniel.tedford@latimes.com.