SBPD Announces the Recipients of the 2013 Citizen Extra Step Awards

The awards are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Barbara, which hosts a luncheon for the recipients where they are presented with a meritorious citation. The luncheon will be held at the Mesa Café at 1972 Cliff Drive on Wednesday, April 17, 2012 at noon. The media is invited to attend.

The following citizens will be receiving the 2013 Kiwanis & Santa Barbara Police Department’s Extra Step Awards:

Sonia Avila

Ms. Avila helped save the life of an accidental overdose victim, initiating emergency response after hearing the cries of the victim’s young children from inside of their residence. She was nominated by Officer Doug Klug.

Mureen Brown

Ms. Brown contacted the Police Department in 2011 seeking assistance for an acquaintance facing homelessness. This sparked an interest in the Restorative Policing Program, and following a ride-along she offered to become a volunteer with the newly developing Restorative Court. What started as minute taking and other duties in her spare time has developed into 20-40 hours a week of invaluable unpaid assistance. She was nominated by Officer Keld Hove and Officer Craig Burleigh.

Ryan Harris

Mr. Harris saved the life of Olivia Sanchez, wife of Chief Cam Sanchez, by performing the Heimlich maneuver on her when she was choking. He was nominated by Chief Cam Sanchez.

Raul Pena

Mr. Pena, while working as a busboy in a nightclub, stopped a sexual assault in progress and helped apprehend the suspect. His continued assistance with the follow-up investigation and court proceedings has ensured that the suspect will be held to answer for his actions.