Battle of the Badges: Red Cross and SCPD and SCFD Blood Drive

The Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire Department will be participating in the Battle of the Badges: a blood drive for the Red Cross. Details of the blood drive, in January, are below. All are welcome to join!

BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE

Santa Cruz Police vs. Santa Cruz Fire

Depot Park Freight Building - 119 Center Street

Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

To schedule your appointment you can log on to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: battlesc.  You may  also call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).  Identification is required to donate blood.

Last year, the Fire Department won the “battle” with 22 units while the Police Department came in with 21.  We look forward to seeing you this year for the second annual event!

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive - Results!

Thank you to everyone that participated in the first Battle of the Badges Red Cross Blood Drive. The Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire Department battled to donate blood to the Red Cross. 

Sgt. Mike Harms, who oversaw the program for the department, noted it was a great success with Red Cross reps and volunteers stating it was one of their better drives. So what were the results? 

The goal of the blood drive was 40 units of blood. Combined, the Police and Fire Departments (and public safety supporters)  collected 46 units of blood!  

It pains us at the Police Department to say that the Fire Department won the “battle” with 22 units while Police Department came in with 21.  The remaining 3 donors did not state who recruited them - so we can all easily assume the police recruited them! Regardless, it was a positive event and we look forward making this an annual partnership. Congrats to the Fire Department!    

Battle of the Badges: Red Cross and SCPD and SCFD Blood Drive

The Santa Cruz Police Department and Santa Cruz Fire Department will be participating in the Battle of the Badges: a blood drive for the Red Cross. Details of the blood drive, in January, are below. All are welcome to join!

BATTLE OF THE BADGES BLOOD DRIVE

Santa Cruz Police vs. Santa Cruz Fire

Depot Park Freight Building - 119 Center Street

Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

To schedule your appointment you can log on to redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: battlesc
You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS. Identification is required to donate blood.

Two SCPD Officers to Receive Red Cross Hero Award Tomorrow

Two Santa Cruz Police Department officers will be honored by the Santa Cruz County chapter of the American Red Cross at the sixth annual Heroes Breakfast on May 18 at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. The Department is quite honored to have two of its own receive this prestigious recognition.

Officer Matt Mulvihill will receive the Rescue Professional Hero award for skillfully working with Santa Cruz Firefighters to rescue a woman attempting to jump from a six-story building.

Officer Joe Hernandez will receive Workplace Hero award for his significant work in early youth intervention and prevention of gang violence.

We are extremely proud of the men and women of our department and thank the American Red Cross for their support of our agency!

Get to Know Your SCPD: Officer Joe Hernandez

Officer Joe Hernandez has a built a statewide reputation for his community-focused efforts to prevent gang violence and help youth choose a more constructive path with their lives. In fact, he was just named as one of Red Cross' Community Heroes for his efforts. As one of the founders of the department's PRIDE program, an active participant in the Citizen's Police Academy and a consistent voice for community services, Officer Hernandez is an easy choice for someone to "get to know better." Here are five questions for Officer Joe Hernandez!

Name your favorite view spot in Santa Cruz

Officer Hernandez: One of my favorite view spots in Santa Cruz is from the Pogonip Clubhouse. The view from that area is just spectacular. When I hike up there it offers tranquility and an opportunity to overlook Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay!

Favorite thing about working for Santa Cruz Police?

Officer Hernandez: My favorite thing about working in Santa Cruz as a police officer is the amount of support and appreciation the community has for us.  We know that we can't always please everyone all of the time, but overall the community is appreciative and inviting of our department.

Best partnership with an outside agency?

Officer Hernandez: The best partnership and case I’ve been able to work has been with the Department of Homeland Security in the investigation of MS (Mara Salvatrucha). This is a gang that unfortunately has caused a lot of violence and drug-issues in our community. While I was working as a detective this partnership greatly aided in our open investigations.

What positions have you held?             

Officer Hernandez: I’ve been fortunate to have been part of several specialty units which have included the Beach Flats Foot Patrol, Street Crimes Unit, Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team and Investigations.  Currently I serve in the newly re-created Community Services Unit and have taught the Citizen's Police Academy and PRIDE program.