Lateral Officer Ricardo Mayorga hired from CHP; former APD Records Technician Alma Rodriguez hired as CSO; new Lt. Matt Koch promoted following competitive process including outside candidates

Brings force to 76 sworn, more additions next week

By Allen D. Payton

During an oath of office ceremony on Monday, June 17, 2024, one more Antioch Police officer was sworn in, a Community Service Officer (CSO) joined the force, and a sergeant was promoted to lieutenant. Held at the Antioch Police Facility’s Community Room, family members, friends, a city council member, department and City staff members, and a representative from the U.S. Marshals Service witnessed Interim Chief Brian Addington administer two oaths, the regular oath of office to Officer Ricardo Mayorga and Lieutenant Matt Koch, plus, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to them and CSO Alma Rodriguez.

Before introducing and swearing them in, about all three Addington said, “It signifies career growth and opening new opportunities. We need good men and women like yourselves in these positions.”

“I want to thank all three of you for your willingness to continue to serve in this profession. The margin of error is smaller than ever. Also, our communities rely on us more than ever to serve and protect them,” he added.

To the families the chief said, “We know your sacrifices and it’s not always easy having a family member in law enforcement. They miss a lot of family events. We appreciate and recognize and honor you.”

Promotion of Lieutenant Matt Koch Following Competitive Process

Addington first introduced new Lt. Koch, who has been with APD for his entire career.

“I’m just excited for new leadership and being able to mentor our new leadership and find new leaders in our department as we work to rebuild,” Koch said before the ceremony.

Starting in 1996 as a Police Explorer and cadet, the 45-year-old “worked his way to become a CSO, Reserve Police Officer, and eventually a full-time officer in 2001,” the chief shared.

Addington shared additional information about the new lieutenant’s experience with the department saying, “Koch worked on several special assignments as a patrol officer from 2001 to 2013 (SWAT, POP (Problem Oriented Policing) Team, Field Training Officer and K9). In 2014, he transferred to investigations and also worked in the Special Operations Unit (SOU), and eventually was a member of the County Safe Streets Task Force and the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.”

He was then promoted to corporal in 2016, sergeant in 2017, and acting lieutenant a few times and most recently since March, Koch shared.

“As a sergeant, he worked on several assignments, including Professional Standards, Investigations, and as the SOU supervisor,” Addington stated. 

An Antioch High School graduate, Koch holds A.A. and B.S. degrees in Criminal Justice from California Coast University.

“Lt. Koch is currently attending POST’s Supervisor Leadership Institute (SLI), a program designed to stimulate personal growth, leadership, and ethical decision-making in California law,” the chief continued. “The coursework consists of over 190 hours over eight months, and he is on track to graduate in November 2024.”

Addington then shared a “Fun Fact” about Koch saying, “Matt takes his family camping (RVing) any chance he can. Their last big trip was last year, when he brought his 5th wheel to Yellowstone, Montana, for two weeks. Matt enjoys his free time with family and smoking/BBQing in the backyard.”

The chief then swore in the department’s newest lieutenant.

“I think through each of my promotions, everyone in my family has been able to pin a badge on me. The only one who hasn’t, is my daughter,” Koch shared. She then joined him on the stage to pin her father with his new badge.

Later, Addington shared more about “the work Lt. Koch did to get here. It’s one of the toughest jobs. You’re breaking into middle management. This lieutenant process was opened up to candidates from outside of the organization as well, the first time in the department’s history.”

That included, “a book report and a panel of law enforcement professionals and a community panel. He represented his family and this department well,” the chief explained. “He really earned this. I think he’s been preparing to take on this role for several years.”

After taking his oath, Koch said, “My wife and daughters have sacrificed so much throughout my career. I just want to say, thank you for all your love and support and sacrifices you made along the way.”

“I’d like to thank Chief, Command Staff and my entire Antioch Police Department family for the trust and support in me,” he continued. “I’m just deeply honored to be here and accept this promotion. You know, I’m grateful for all the trust everyone has given me and put into me and like the chief says, I do promise to serve with dedication, integrity and with commitment to the organization and to our mission.”

“As our department continues to rebuild, I’m looking forward to working with each of you, mentoring and coaching and help finding and rebuilding that new leadership within the department,” Koch stated. “Together, we can inspire and make a lasting impression not only within this organization but for our community.”

“I’m so grateful to be a part of it and I look forward to working with everyone. Thank you,” he concluded. (See video)

Lateral Police Officer Mayorga

Next, Addington swore in new Officer Mayorga, a lateral hire from the CHP in Solano County. A 10-year Antioch resident, “Ricardo was born in Chicago and moved to Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico at age 3. He returned to the United States and has lived in the East Bay since he was 15. He lives in Antioch and has lived here for the past ten years. Before APD, Ricardo worked for the California Highway Patrol. He enjoys working out, taking long drives, and hiking during his free time,” the chief shared.

Addington then offered the “Fun Fact” about Mayorga saying, “Ricardo understands that persistence pays off because it allows us to overcome obstacles and challenges and leads to personal growth and success. He worked for CHP before joining APD. CHP is a vast organization, so it is not uncommon to have to apply several times before getting selected, and that is precisely what he did. Ultimately, CHP selected him, and he completed their process, graduating from their academy and successfully completing their FTO program.”

Following his oath of office, Mayorga shared his appreciation for the promotion saying, “Thank you for the opportunity Chief. It was hard to get here. I’m here to continue to follow the rules and learn and I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

His fiancé then pinned him with his officer’s badge.

Following the ceremony the 36-year-old Mayorga shared that when he moved back to the U.S., he first lived in Wildomar in Southern California. Mayorga then moved to the Bay Area, first to Oakley, where he attended high school at Freedom High and finished at Independence High in Brentwood, then later to Antioch.

“I worked for 16 years in the hotel industry and applied half that time for the CHP,” which Mayorga finally joined last year, he explained.

Asked why Antioch and why now, the department’s newest officer said, “Not only do I live here, but I knew the department had been going through not only new management but a whole new generation of officers.”

“To learn, grow and get new training to further my career,” Mayorga added as his reasons.

New CSO Rodriguez

“Finally, Records Technician Alma Rodriguez,” Addington said introducing her as the department’s newest CSO, who was hired as a Police Records Technician on December 4, 2024, and selected to the new position effective today. “She has an ambition to be a police officer. It is a crucial position within a police department. It can be traffic control… book and transport prisoners to the county jail in Martinez,” which she was doing, today just before the ceremony began.

“We couldn’t do without our CSO’s because it allows our officers to focus on more serious incidents,” the chief stated.

“Alma grew up in the Bay Area and started her career in banking, which she did for six years,” Addington shared. “While working in banking, she realized she preferred to work in the public sector, so she left for Contra Costa County Probation. Probation was a wonderful place, but she wanted to be more involved with law enforcement, which brought her to Antioch PD. Alma is very excited about this next opportunity at the Antioch Police Department.”

The chief then shared the “Fun Fact” about the new CSO saying, “Alma likes to consider herself a Cricut Master and loves to work on craft projects.”

Rodriguez then said, “I’m very excited for this opportunity and I can’t wait to keep growing within the APD family.” She chose her father to present the CSO badge to her.

Addington explained that CSO’s are not administered an oath of office and said her new uniform hadn’t yet arrived, so Rodriguez couldn’t be pinned during the ceremony.

IACP Law Enforcement Oath of Honor

Before administering the Law Enforcement Oath of Honor to all three, Addington said, “The IACP Governing Body developed an Oath of Honor to punctuate the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect and ensuring the preservation of human life.”

“This is a public affirmation of your commitment to adhere to this oath and demonstrate the highest ethical standards,” the chief said to them. “Before you take the Oath of Honor, you must understand what it means. This oath is a solemn pledge that you sincerely intend to abide by the terms of the Oath of Honor.”

“Do each of you understand that?” he asked, to which they each replied, “Yes.”

The three repeated after Addington saying, “On my honor, I will never betray my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will treat all individuals with dignity and respect and ensure that my actions are dedicated to ensuring the safety of my community and the preservation of human life. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always maintain the highest ethical standards and uphold the values of my community, and the agency I serve.”

The chief later shared the new, additional oath is something he started the last time he swore in new Antioch Police officers.

Following the ceremony, family and friends took photos with the three officers and enjoyed refreshments provided by APD and offered tours of the facility.

With Mayorga’s addition, based on the latest APD staffing report presented to the Antioch Police Oversight Commission on June 3, 2024, that brings the force to 76 sworn officers out of 115 budgeted. More officers will be sworn in next week Addington shared with the Herald. (See most recent APD staffing report)

During first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony

“Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you…” – Navy Commander Clinton T. Ceralde

“I challenge you…gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead.” – Local veterans’ leader J.R. Wilson

“What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending…the ideals that make us uniquely American.” – Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe

“…protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam.” – Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

By Allen D. Payton

The first ever Antioch Salutes Ceremony honoring local high school graduates who have chosen to serve our nation in the United States Armed Forces and become part of the 1% of Americans who serve in military uniform on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The ceremony, organized by Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe, was held at Waldie Plaza in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown with the backdrop of the river. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Monica Wilson, Antioch School Board President Antonio Hernandez and Trustee Dr. Jag Lathan, as well as City Attorney Thomas L. Smith, and Delta Veterans Group President and Founder J.R. Wilson, Commander Clinton T. Ceralde, U.S. Navy, Surface Warfare Officer, Commanding Officer of the Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate, and a representative from the Office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier.

The officials led a procession of the enlistees from City Hall across W. 2nd Street into Waldie Plaza. Then half-way through the park, the officials turned and stood at attention, with those who are veterans, saluting as the honorees proceeded to their seats.

The Presentation of Colors was provided by the U.S. Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Brentwood and the National Anthem was performed by Kennedy Williams of God’s Gift Dance Ministry at Genesis Church in Antioch.

A poem was then read by Izabel Eisner which included, “Today we say, ‘thank you’. Today we say, ‘congratulations.’” She was followed by the AUSD Board president who offered welcoming remarks saying, “Know that everyone here is so very proud of everything you’ve done and everything you’re going to do. Antioch will always be your home.”

J.R Wilson, a veteran, then honored the enlistees’ families and offered a Veterans’ Charge saying, “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the families who have nurtured and instilled in them a love for their country. We honor you for shaping the lives of the future patriots. We salute you.”

“These recruits…are already demonstrating exceptional commitment by choosing to serve their country by prioritizing the greater good over personal interest,” he continued. “They are joining a select group of individuals who are safeguarding safety and freedom for millions worldwide.”

“Stand tall and proud,” Wilson challenged the recent grads. “The respect and admiration for your decision are evident throughout our city. We salute you. I challenge you…go through your service, enjoy your service, gain from your service and then come back to your communities and lead. Thank you for choosing to serve. I salute you, every one of you.” He ended by saluting the enlistees who were seated in front of the audience.

Commander Ceralde addressed to “these young men and women embarking on a noble journey of service.” He shared a story that, “illustrates the spirit of service that defines our military” about a 2008 mission labeled Operation Continuing Promise” that “wasn’t about combat but compassion, cooperation and skilled professionalism.” It was a joint and international effort of various U.S. military branches and the Canadian military for humanitarian relief to Central and South American countries and Caribbean islands.

“The mission…exemplified the United States maritime strategy of building confidence and trust among nations through collective, humanitarian efforts,” Ceralde continued. “We demonstrated that wearing the uniform is about more than defense. It’s about making a difference, showing compassion and building bridges across nations.”

“To our young enlistees, as you prepare to begin your military career, remember that your service will take many forms, whether in moments of conflict or acts of peace, your contributions will leave a lasting legacy,” he stated. “Thank you, future servicemembers for your courage and commitment. May God bless each of you, our community and the United States of America.”

Hernandez-Thorpe, a Navy veteran, thanked those in attendance, shared of his experience in the military and said to the enlistees, “What you’re defending is not just the Homeland, you’re defending a set of ideas, that make us different than most countries. The ideals that make us uniquely American. So, I couldn’t be more proud of the decision you’ve made.”

Representatives from the Navy and Marines gave each of the honorees were given a special Certificate of Commendation from the mayor and a special “Thank You” for their service to the nation.

The student enlistees were then given a ceremonial oath of office administered by Commander Ceralde, which included the commitment they “will obey all orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over” them “according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” He then congratulated them as the audience applauded.

A lengthy benediction with three Muslim prayers was offered by Intisar Malhi of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who began with “the Islamic greetings of peace of as-salamu alaykum, everyone, which means peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.”

He offered “a prayer that Muslims are expected to offer multiple times a day” which he said in Arabic, then translated in English to, “Oh, our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come.”

Malhi then spoke of “doing good in this world and one of the best ways of doing that among Islamic values is service to mankind. These young men and women…are living up to one of the most noblest virtues as described in the holy Quran which urges human beings to help and serve each other and serve their communities.”

“And protecting one’s country and being loyal to the nation is one of the essential tenets of the religion of Islam,” he continued. “And when you stand up for a just cause to protect the country or to establish peace in the world, the holy Quran offers a couple other small prayers, as well,” which Malhi read in Arabic and explained in English.

About those in the audience and the community leaders he said, “We exercise our voice and become the conscience of the leaders of our country so our young men and women are protecting the innocent and fighting for peace in the world, and they do not get dragged into any conflict in the world that may be unjust or pointless.”

“So, in the end, I salute you all, the young men and women who signed up to serve their country and pray that may God be your protector and guide in your service to this country. Amen,” Malhi concluded.

The MC then said over the loudspeaker, “Congratulations and Godspeed to our newest military services members. Please give it up, give it up, give it up,” as the audience and those on the platform applauded. “It’s OK to stand and applaud,” the MC said, as people yelled, “Thank you. Thank you.”

The ceremony was followed by refreshments catered by Chef Clarice LaGrone Jackson owner of SupperJam in Antioch.

See video of ceremony on the mayor’s official Facebook page.

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 8:52 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 900 block of West 8th Street on a report of a male who had been shot while inside a residence and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from a graze wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on the investigation, officers believe the residence was targeted, and we are actively working on this case. This investigation is in its preliminary stages and evidence and witness statements are being collected at this time. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

6 occurred in parking lots, 4 while followed home

By Antioch Police Department

A word of warning to our community. Antioch PD has been investigating a series of robberies connected to bank visits. In the last 90 days, there have been nearly a dozen instances of community members being robbed after leaving local banks.

In four cases, the robberies happened at a different location after the victims left the banks. In six other instances, the actual robberies happened in the bank parking lots.

The thieves have stolen cell phones, wallets and money. Our detectives are working to make arrests in these incidents.

Yesterday, Thursday, June 13, 2024, Detectives Schaffer and Cox detained two robbery suspects after a foot pursuit and one of the suspects was armed with a firearm.

Below is an updated list of locations and additional information on the robberies we are currently investigating.

Victims Followed Home From Banks:

· April 1 – victim was followed home from Walnut Creek bank. Robbed at home, take was a purse. 2400 block of Montecito Court – no arrest

· May 22 – victim arrived home from the Chase Bank on Somersville Road. Purse was taken by force with the victim was knocked to the ground. 1500 block of Daisy Way – no arrest

· June 8 – robbery occurred at 2300 block of Buchanan Road. Victim stopped at Chase Bank, then  parked across the street and robbed of jewelry. – no arrest

· June 11 – victim left Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd. as they left, in an intersection and somebody ran up to their car, trying to break the window. Victim drove off, no loss.

Robberies in Bank Parking Lots:

· March 25 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, after was approached by someone on bicycle. Robbed of cash and phone.

· April 3 – Bank of America on Somersville Road, victim went to drive up ATM, as they pulled away, approached by someone who robbed them of cash and cell phone.

· April 4 – Chase Bank on Delta Fair Blvd., victim using ATM when suspect ran up and robbed them of phone and wallet.

· April 10 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, attempted. Victim entered vehicle after leaving bank and suspect demanded property, victim left before theft could occur.

· May 20 – BMO on Somersville Road, victims making a deposit for the County Fair. (See related article)

· June 11 – Chase Bank on Lone Tree Way, victim walking to the car after cashing check, victim robbed by the suspect.

We are asking our community to be vigilant and take precautions. If you see something, say something.

Suspect unknown

By Acting Lt. Matthew Koch #3018, Antioch Police Field Services Division

On June 14, 2024, at approximately 4:25 PM, Antioch police officers responded to the 800 block of West 2nd Street on a report of a male who had been shot and in need of medical attention.

When officers arrived, they located a male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Officers immediately rendered first aid until they were relieved by paramedics. The victim was transported to an area hospital, where he underwent surgery. The male is in critical but stable condition and is expected to survive.

Based on the investigation, officers believe it is a domestic incident and we are actively working on this case. This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released.

This information was made available by the Field Services Bureau.

For details visit www.antiochca.gov/recreation.

MARTINEZ, CA—State Assembly candidate Anamarie Avila Farias announced, Thursday, June 13, 2024, the endorsement of Contra Costa Assemblyman Tim Grayson (D-15) for her campaign to represent Northern Contra Costa County in the State Legislature. 

“Anamarie’s experience in our local communities, especially her service on the Martinez City Council and Contra Costa County Board of Education, has prepared her to be an effective voice for us in the Legislature,” said Assemblymember Grayson. “I’m looking forward to partnering with her as we fight for Contra Costa’s share of state resources and policies that help working families get ahead.”

“Tim Grayson’s a voice of reason and purpose in the Legislature,” said Anamarie. “I’ll bring a similar attitude to making state policies: Results over rhetoric, progress over politics.

“I really appreciate Assemblymember Grayson’s support and look forward to working with him.”

Avila Farias was the second-place finisher in the March Primary election but the top vote-getter in the field of three Democrats and faces off against the Republican candidate in November’s election. Democratic voters outnumber Republicans 52%-19% in District 15’s registration numbers. If elected, she would be the first Latina to serve Contra Costa in the State Legislature.

She has an extensive record serving her community and setting state policy. She currently serves as a Trustee of the Contra Costa County Board of Education and has consistently pushed for improved public education in Contra Costa schools. She also served on the Martinez City Council from 2012-2016.

Avila Farias is running to represent California State Assembly District 15. The district encompasses Antioch, Pittsburg, Bay Point, Crockett, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Clayton and portions of Brentwood and unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. 

To learn more about her campaign, visit anamarie4assembly.com.