Release Date/Time: 2/24/2010 3:47 PM Gabriel “Gabe” Gonzalez started with the Salinas Police Department in December 2005. He has worked as a patrol officer and is currently assigned to the Department’s Violence Suppression Unit as a gang officer.
In June 2009, Officer Gonzalez assisted in apprehending a suspect that shot at a Salinas PD officer during a vehicle pursuit. Officer Gonzalez was in his residence, off-duty, when he heard sirens and noticed lights in his neighborhood. He climbed on his roof and spotted one of the suspects fleeing. Officer Gonzalez directed on-duty officers to the suspect for the arrest.
In September 2009, a homicide occurred on Yucatan Way. Rather than responding directly to the scene, Officer Gonzalez and his partner began to drive around the outer perimeter and ultimately located the suspect vehicle and the suspects of the homicide.
In the months of March and May 2009, Officer Gonzalez was tasked with assisting in a security detail for Governor Schwarznegger and President Obama’s sister, Maya Setoro on their visits to the City of Salinas.
The above are just a few examples of the type of work and cooperation Officer Gonzalez has demonstrated during the course of the entire year of 2009. Officer Gonzalez is a team player and has earned the respect of his peers, supervisors and Department management, as well as the criminal element on the street.
In 2008 Officer Gonzalez was nominated for the “Officer of the Year” award for his performance in 2007. His nomination documented the same level of enthusiasm and dedication that Officer Gonzalez has shown in 2009.
Officer Gonzalez possesses an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management from Hartnell College and is currently attending San Jose State University working towards a bachelor’s degree.
Officer Gonzalez demonstrates and maintains a high level of commitment to duty, customer service, professional excellence and is a positive role model of the Salinas Police Department values of loyalty, integrity and dedication. The Salinas Police Department is proud to announce Gabriel Gonzalez as “Officer of the Year” for 2009.
Officer Gonzalez will be honored by the Monterey County Peace Officers Association during their 2009 Officer of the Year Awards Dinner on March 12, 2010 at the Salinas Sports Complex.
Release Authorized by: Lalo Villegas |
Salinas Police Department 
222 Lincoln Ave, Salinas, CA, 93901 Violence Tip Line (831) 775-4222
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