Antioch Police Department awards annual honors of officers, citizens

Antioch Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year Virginia Johnson and Officer of the Year James Colley.

Antioch Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year Virginia Johnson and Officer of the Year James Colley.  photo courtesy of Antioch Police Department

James Colley is Antioch Police Officer of the Year

By John Crowder

On Thursday, May 15, the Antioch Police Department honored their outstanding employees, retirees, and citizens who had contributed to the success of the department at a ceremony held in City Hall.

Acting Captain Aguinaga (left), who was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, with Lt. Robin Kelley.

Acting Captain Aguinaga (left), who was awarded the Distinguished Service Award, with Lt. Robin Kelley.  photo courtesy of APD

Captain Leonard Orman opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone, and later acknowledging the local dignitaries in attendance. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Acting Captain Diane Aguinaga, and an invocation was given by Reverend Robert Rien of Antioch’s St. Ignatius Church.

Chief Allan Cantando presented the awards during the ceremony. As each person being honored was called forward, he made a point of sharing a personal story and thanking them for their contributions. Officer James Colley was selected by his peers as the Officer of the Year, while Virginia Johnson was named the Civilian employee of the Year. Distinguished Service Awards went to Acting Captain Aguinaga and Sergeant Tarra Nissen, while Officer Ryan Andelin was recognized for 10 years of service.

Several officers received Meritorious Service Awards, including Officers Wardell Carter, Ted Chang, Rick Hofman, Martin Hynes, Christopher Kidd, Kristopher Kint, James Perkinson, and Police K9 “Bo.” Virginia Johnson was also recognized for her work in Support Services, while Frank Rupani was honored as Reserve Sergeant.

Chief Allan Cantando with retiring Sergeants Mitch Schwitters and Robert Quintero. photo courtesy of Antioch Police Department

Chief Allan Cantando with retiring Sergeants Mitch Schwitters and Robert Quintero. photo courtesy of Antioch Police Department

Three officers and a civilian were recognized for acting to save lives, including Officers Meghan Miller, Shawn Morin, and Ryan McDonald, and citizen Kevin Brady. Brady and McDonald had worked together to save the life of Brady’s neighbor, Donald Cooper, after he suffered a heart attack last year at his residence.

Two people received Citizen Service Citations. Roxanna Ramirez Del Rio was honored for her role in helping Antioch police quickly locate a young girl who had been kidnapped earlier this year. Emphasizing how critical time is in such cases, Chief Cantando noted that Del Rio’s action had saved the girl’s life.

Hailey Hartrick, a 12-year-old Antioch girl, was also lauded for her efforts to raise money for ballistic vests for the K9 unit. Hartrick ended up raising close to $12,000 for the cause by hosting numerous fundraising events.

Reserve Officer Chris Ming retired after more than 29 years with the Antioch Police Department.

Reserve Officer Chris Ming retired after more than 29 years with the Antioch Police Department. photo courtesy of APD

Cantando also presented plaques to retirees. They included medical retirements for Sergeant Scott Freier and Officers Diane Freier, Preston Garcia, Chris Walters, and Joe Zanarini. Chris Ming retired as a Reserve Officer. Service retirements included Captain Steve McConnell, Lieutenant Pat Welch, Sergeants Steve Bias, Robert Quintero, and Mitch Schwitters, Officers Vince Augusta and Kevin Kollo and Lead Dispatchers Karen Rezentes and Maria Spainhower.


the attachments to this post:


Reserve Officer Chris Ming retired after more than 29 years with APD


Lt Robin Kelley & Acting Captain Aguinaga awarded the Distinguished Service Award


Cantando & ret Sgts Mitch Schwitters & Robert Quintero


Virginia Johnson Civilian Employee of the Year, James Colley Officer of the Year


One Comment to “Antioch Police Department awards annual honors of officers, citizens”

  1. Black Ivy Grad says:

    Funny — this article makes no mention of the multiple complaints and pending lawsuit against Officer Colley for acts of Police Brutality and violation of the civil rights of an innocent person whom he abused. It’s shameful to see the “blue wall of silence” honored publicly.

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