Pictured left to right: SGT Azua, Ofc Abarca, SGT Harms & Ofc Guerrasio
These are four professionals with a lot of experience. "This is a good day for the retirees and we are rich with a positive legacy they leave behind for the department. We thank them and their families. Their retirements are well-deserved", said Chief Mills.
Police Sergeant Michael Harms, Badge 120, retires after 22 years of service. Sergeant Harms started his career as a Santa Cruz Police Officer in the Operations Division working patrol. He served in the Traffic Division, in SWAT, as Honor Guard, and as a Field Training Officer. He worked in Investigations, as a Detective and finished as the Persons Crimes Sergeant.
Sergeant Harms earned the rank of Police Sergeant in 2006 and worked both Operations assignments, which included Patrol and Community Service Patrol. He was instrumental in implementing the Department's first volunteer program and coordinated the first Teen Academy.
Sergeant Bill Azua, Badge 107, retires after 24 years of service.
Sergeant Azua began his career with the Santa Cruz Police Department on January 23,1995 as a Patrol Officer in the Operations Division. Bill has served on the Beach Team, Neighbor Enforcement Team, the Downtown Unit, in the Narcotic Enforcement Task Force and as a Field Training Officer for over 10 years. He worked extensively investigating various gangs and served on the Heroin Task Force. He also served as the homeless shelter liaison, wrote over 300 search warrants, and taught at the Departments Citizen Police Academy for 18 years.
Sergeant Azua was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 2015 and worked as a Patrol Sergeant, Parks Sergeant and as a Neighborhood Policing Team Sergeant.
Officer Dominic Guerrasio, Badge 163, who is retiring after 27 years of service. Officer Guerrasio first worked at the Police Department as a Community Service Aide. Dominic was hired as a Police Officer and graduated from the Police Academy in 1992. He started his journey as a Santa Cruz Police Officer in the Operations division working Patrol.
Officer Guerrasio was assigned to the Traffic Unit twice and served as a Trainer and Motor Vehicle Collision Investigator for numerous years. Guerrasio wrapped up his career as a Field Training Officer.
Officer Thomas Abarca served the city of Santa Cruz for 8 years and also served our country in the Marine Corps. Officer Abarca retires today due to an injury.
On behalf of the men and women of the Santa Cruz Police Department, we thank you for your many years of exemplary service to the people of Santa Cruz, and to the Santa Cruz Police Department. Your service has made a difference in the City of Santa Cruz. The SCPD family express its best wishes to you for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.
Congratulations and all the best in your future endeavors.
