Jesse Ingram, manager of the Antioch U.S. Bank branch is presented with a plaque as the 2025 Antioch Corporate Business of the Year by Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair Jim Becker and Vice Chair Dominique Coleman during the annual Gala, Friday, March 27, 2026. Photos by (left) Allen D. Payton, (right) Chamber of Commerce
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
The 2025 Antioch Large Corporate Business of the Year award goes to U.S. Bank, a company with a legacy of over 100 years and a longstanding commitment to supporting communities across the nation, including Antioch. Honored during the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Antioch Branch Manager Jesse Ingram, the Chamber’s Co-Chief Ambassador, accepted the award on behalf of the bank during the ceremony.
U.S. Bank has been a tremendous partner to the Antioch community, providing not only financial support but also dedicating the time and energy of its staff through volunteering and community engagement. Their contributions have touched countless lives, from generous donations to hands-on participation in local programs and initiatives that strengthen the social and economic fabric of the city.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Bank stepped forward to support the local community in numerous ways. They provided critical relief assistance for customers, launched premium payment programs for frontline employees, and expedited their community giving initiatives to respond to urgent needs. Additionally, the bank played a vital role in helping local small businesses access Paycheck Protection Program loans, assisting more than 108 small businesses in navigating the challenges of the pandemic and ensuring their continued operation.
U.S. Bank’s dedication to housing and financial stability has also made a lasting impact. In 2025, the bank partnered with RCF Connects to provide $1 million in down payment assistance grants to first-time homebuyers in Contra Costa County, helping 78 low-income families achieve the dream of homeownership. The majority of these families purchased homes in Antioch, directly contributing to the growth and vitality of the local community.
Beyond financial contributions, U.S. Bank’s staff have been active participants in the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s events, generously donating their time and funding the events. Their support reflects a true partnership with Antioch, demonstrating a corporate culture that prioritizes giving back and strengthening the communities in which they operate. U.S. Bank chooses Antioch as a focus of their philanthropy and for their continued commitment to improving lives through financial assistance, volunteerism, and community engagement.
Executive Director Ricka Davis-Sheard is presented with a plaque by Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair Jim Becker honoring S.H.A.R.E. Community as the 2025 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year during the annual Gala on March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, held Friday night, March 27, 2026, S.H.A.R.E. Community was honored as the 2025 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year. S.H.A.R.E. stands for Sharing Hope, Abundance, Resources and Encouragement.
S.H.A.R.E. Community is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unhoused neighbors in our community. Their programs provide mobile showers, hygiene kits, and laundry vouchers, offering individuals an opportunity to feel confident again and helping to restore a sense of dignity that is often lost during times of homelessness.
“We’re super excited to be chosen Non-Profit of the Year for 2025 by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce,” said, Executive Director Ricka Davis-Sheard who was presented with a commemorative plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker.
Founded in 2019 with a mission centered on sharing hope, resources, abundance, and encouragement, S.H.A.R.E. Community has become a lifeline for many. They work in partnership with a wide range of local agencies, including hair salons, pet food providers, veteran support services, and mental health organizations, ensuring that the needs of their clients are met in a holistic and compassionate way.
SHARE Community has provided over 9,000 showers and distributed 18,000 hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness. Many participants in the program have gone on to secure stable housing and have returned as volunteers, creating a full-circle transformation that exemplifies the organization’s profound impact.
Despite operating with a small budget and limited resources, SHARE Community continues to expand its services and outreach, fueled by the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the local community. Their tireless efforts not only address immediate needs but also inspire hope, foster resilience, and empower individuals to reclaim their confidence and independence.
S.H.A.R.E. Community is more than a nonprofit—they are a beacon of compassion, demonstrating that with care, creativity, and community support, meaningful change is possible for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Almost There Travel owner Tammy Larsen is honored with the 2025 Antioch Small Business of the Year award by Chamber Chair Jim Becker during the annual Gala on Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
“We’re one of the very last brick and mortar travel agencies” – Tammy Larsen, owner
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Almost There Travel was recognized as the 2025 Antioch Small Business of the Year, an honor that reflects their dedication to exceptional service, personalized travel experiences and meaningful community impact.
This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of owner Tammy Larsen and her team, who go above and beyond to help clients explore the world with ease, creativity, and care. Their commitment to excellence has earned the trust and loyalty of their clients, making every journey not just a trip, but an unforgettable experience.
Beyond their success in the travel industry, Almost There Travel plays a vital role in the local community. They proudly offer annual Chamber Travel discount trips, making travel more accessible to community members. The owners are actively involved in the revitalization of downtown Antioch and are strong supporters of local events.
Their dedication extends even further through volunteering their time to help plan and coordinate community events, ensuring they are well-organized, engaging, and well-attended. Their generosity also includes providing travel discounts to support and give back to the community they serve.
Almost There Travel, located at 506 W. 2nd Street, truly embodies what it means to be a small business with a big impact, and this recognition is well deserved.
“Our passion is travel. We love to travel, ourselves. Please come visit us. We’re one of the very last brick and mortar travel agencies,” said Larsen. “So, come down to Rivertown. Just stop in. It doesn’t cost you anything. Thank you.”
2025 Antioch Youth of the Year Amanda Brown is presented with a plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker (left) and with a scholarship check by Tom Jenkins of the Antioch Rotary Club and Tom Hartrick of the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch, who were joined by Mayor Ron Bernal during the Gala ceremony Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.
She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.
Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.
Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.
Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.
During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).
Joanne Bilbo is applauded by family and friends and presented with a plaque as the 2025 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement by Antioch Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Dominique Coleman and Chair Jim Becker during the annual Gala, Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
“I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Joanne Bilbo, a lifelong resident of Antioch, was honored as the 2025 Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of her unparalleled dedication to her community. At 96 years young, Joanne’s life is a shining example of volunteerism, leadership and service.
She joined the Catholic Young Ladies at age 16 and has been a devoted, long-standing member of Most Holy Rosary Church. Affectionately known as the “Dessert Lady,” Joanne has spent decades delighting parishioners with her famous bundt cakes at church events, always serving with joy and generosity.
Her commitment extends beyond the church: she has been a dedicated board member of the Antioch Historical Society, earned the affectionate title of “Ticket Lady” for managing museum event tickets for countless community events, and was honored in 2023 as a Community Leader by the Sports Legends Hall of Fame Museum, where she served on the board for more than a decade.
Joanne’s impact on Antioch reaches into every corner of the community. She and her husband, Marshall Bilbo, married in 1960 and raised two children while owning and operating Ernie’s Liquors for many years. She has been a vital presence in the Antioch Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Antioch, contributing her time, energy, and leadership to countless initiatives.
As a board member of Antioch Friends of the Arts, she oversaw the purchase and dedication of the Cannery Lady statue on W. First Street in historic, downtown Rivertown, celebrating Antioch’s rich history and culture. In 2003, she joined a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising scholarships for women, further extending her impact on future generations. Through her decades of volunteerism, her warm presence, and her unwavering commitment to community, faith, and service, Joanne Bilbo has become a beloved and inspiring figure in Antioch—truly deserving of the title Citizen of the Year.
See video of Joanne’s speech during the Gala in which she said, “I’m an honorary doer. I think that’s a better title for me.”
Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair Jim Becker presents Allison Norris with her plaque recognizing her as the 2025 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact during the annual Gala on Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Allison Norris, founder of the charitable organization Snug As A Bug, was honored as the 2025 Antioch Citizen of the Year for Most Impact for her extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of those in need.
Through her organization, Allison provides handmade quilts and bags to children, teens, adults, and veterans, offering warmth, comfort, and a tangible reminder that someone cares. Over the years, she has supported hundreds of individuals in Antioch and surrounding communities, creating meaningful connections and helping people navigate moments of hardship. In 2024 Allison tirelessly created quilts for veterans and contributed to the Antioch Stand Down on the Delta, an event supporting those who have served. Her outreach extends to local schools, hospitals, police departments and social service agencies, where she ensures that foster youth, families facing crisis and individuals experiencing trauma receive the physical comfort of a quilt and the emotional support that accompanies it.
Allison’s impact reaches far beyond the quilts she creates. She continuously volunteers her time at the Woman’s Club of Antioch, her church, and local schools, using these partnerships to bring other volunteers into the fold and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement. Through her dedication, she strengthens the social fabric of Antioch, demonstrating the power of compassion in action. Guided by her motto, “Building Community with Community,” Allison never seeks recognition for her work, choosing instead to focus on the real, lasting impact she makes every day. Her unwavering commitment, generosity and leadership have touched countless lives, inspiring others to give back, reinforcing a culture of care, resilience and community in every corner of Antioch.
In response to allegations against the late farm workers’ union leader
By Juliet V. Casey Geary, Director of Marketing & Media Design, Los Medanos College
Greetings from Los Medanos College,
In light of recent news concerning César Chávez and allegations of abuse of women and minors, Los Medanos College (LMC) is reorienting the awards that honored his legacy to focus instead on the collective work and values that are being recognized to strengthen community, social justice, labor rights and leadership. Since 1995, LMC has honored generations of activists, service providers, educators, students and more. We are proud of that tradition and will continue to honor the leaders born out of East Contra Costa County’s agricultural community. This year we will offer La Fuerza del Pueblo: Farmworkers’ Movement Legacy Awards.
Honorees will receive recognition at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the Student Union Conference Center, 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. La Fuerza del Pueblo in English means the power of the people. This event recognizes community members who stand as models of service, activism and non-violent social change. This year’s award categories include:
Exemplary Community Service
For long-standing commitment to service to others, sacrifice, helping the most needy, determination, non-violence, acceptance of all people, respect for life and the environment, celebrating community, knowledge, and innovation.
East County Educator Award
For demonstrating a commitment to student success and equity, particularly for students of color and those from low-income families.
La Fuerza del Pueblo Spirit Award
For emerging/student leader(s) who embodies the spirit of the movement, and who within the past year, made a significant impact on the local community in the areas of advocacy and social justice.
Legacy Award Values
Service to Others: Empowering individuals by engendering self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-help, rather than charity.
Sacrifice: Recognizing the obligation every individual has to contribute to their community, despite having to endure great hardship.
Help the Most Needy: Supporting efforts to reach those in need, those dispossessed, and those most forgotten individuals.
Determination: Instilling an attitude that through steadfast commitment, patience, and optimism, people can overcome great adversity.
Non-violence: Achieving social and economic justice and equality through bold and courageous action.
Tolerance: Promoting and supporting ethnic and cultural diversity as a means toward informing and strengthening communities.
Respect for Life: Holding land, people, and all other forms of life in the highest regard.
Celebrating Community: Sharing expressions of cultural identity through art, song and dance.
Knowledge: Pursuing self-directed learning, the development of critical thinking, and constructive problem-solving.
Innovation: Creating strategies and tactics to resolve problems and situations that often seem insurmountable.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District, serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.
Chief Joe Vigil (2nd from right in left photo) is joined by award winners including (l-r) Civilian Employee of the Year Crime Analyst Mike Raney, Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage and Officer of the Year Steven Miller. (Right) Life Saving Awards were presented to (L-R) Detective Geoffrey Morris, Sergeant Robert Green, and Officer Kyle Smith. All photos: Antioch PD
Including Dispatcher & Civilian Employee of the Year and Distinguished Service & Life Saving Awards; Chief Vigil shares reasons each was honored
By Antioch Police Department
Monday night, March 8, 2026, the Antioch Police Department had the honor of recognizing several employees for their outstanding work and dedication to our community. Awards presented included Officer of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year, Civilian Employee of the Year, Distinguished Service Award and Life Saving Awards.
Antioch Police Captain Desmond Bittner is thanked by Lt. Franco Cesar during the annual awards ceremony. Lt. William Whitaker (inset) was also honored.
We also recognized Captain Desmond Bittner for his leadership and work with the SWAT Team, and Lieutenant William “Bill” Whitaker for his dedication to the K-9 Team.
During the ceremony, Chief Joe Vigil shared about each of the award winners and the reasons they were honored:
2025 Antioch Police Officer of Year Steven Miller is congratulated by Captain Shane Bower (left) and with Chief Vigil (right).
Officer of the Year – Officer Steven Miller
This nomination recognizes an officer whose exceptional work ethic, unwavering dedication to the Field Training Officer program, proactive policing style, and consistently high-quality investigative work have made a significant impact on the Antioch Police Department over the past year.
This officer consistently demonstrates a level of professionalism and commitment that exceeds the expectations of the position. Their work ethic is evident in daily performance, reliability, and a willingness to take initiative without prompting. Every assignment is approached with focus, accountability, and a strong sense of responsibility, setting a positive example for peers and newer officers alike.
As a Field Training Officer, this individual has shown outstanding dedication to developing the next generation of officers. They take the responsibility of training seriously, investing the time and effort necessary to ensure that trainees are not only competent, but confident, ethical, and officer-safe. Their ability to teach, mentor, and lead by example has had a direct and positive impact on the overall quality of officers entering solo patrol.
This officer is also recognized as extremely proactive in the field. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, they actively seek out criminal activity, identify patterns and trends, and take enforcement action that enhances public safety. This proactive mindset has resulted in numerous arrests, significant seizures, and meaningful law enforcement contacts that may not have occurred without their initiative and awareness.
In addition, this officer has developed a strong reputation for the preparation and execution of search warrants. Their warrants are thorough, articulate, and legally sound, reflecting a strong understanding of case law and investigative procedure. Attention to detail and a commitment to constitutional policing have contributed to successful investigations and prosecutions while minimizing risk to the department.
In every aspect of their work whether mentoring new officers, proactively policing the community, or conducting detailed investigative work this officer exemplifies the professionalism, dedication, and leadership that define the best of our department.
For these reasons, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Officer of the Year Steven Miller.
2025 Antioch Police Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage with Dispatch Manager Stacey Malsom during the ceremony.
Dispatcher of the Year – Autumn Turnage
It is my honor for Dispatcher of the Year in recognition of an individual whose professionalism, sound judgment, and dedication to public safety have made a profound impact on the department and the community. Dispatchers serve as the critical first point of contact in emergencies, often managing life-and-death situations while ensuring officer safety in rapidly evolving circumstances. The individual being recognized today exemplifies the very best of this profession.
On Christmas Eve of 2024, while working a 16-hour shift, this dispatcher answered a 911 call from a man whose boat had sunk, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life. Over the course of nearly an hour, the dispatcher remained on the line as a steady voice during an extremely emotional and frightening situation. The caller repeatedly stated he could not feel his legs, believed he was going to die, and asked that his father and sister be told that he loved them.
Throughout the call, the dispatcher coordinated critical information between multiple agencies, including GPS coordinates and Rapid Deploy location pings, in order to assist the Coast Guard in locating the victim. While maintaining calm and reassurance for the caller, the dispatcher carried the heavy weight of knowing that time was running out. At 12:02 a.m. on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard successfully rescued the man and brought him safely to shore. The rescue later received regional and national media attention, highlighting the dispatcher’s role in saving a life.
In addition to these extraordinary incidents, this dispatcher serves as one of the department’s top Communications Training Officers and has been instrumental in the development of new dispatch personnel. Known for patience, thoroughness, and an approachable personality, this individual creates an environment where trainees feel comfortable asking questions and learning the complexities of the profession. In 2025 alone, this dispatcher trained three new dispatchers over a period of approximately six months.
Through professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to helping others, this individual has made a lasting impact on the department, the officers in the field, and the community they serve. Their work reflects the highest standards of the communications profession.
For consistent excellence, extraordinary performance under pressure, and a deep commitment to public safety, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Dispatcher of the Year Autumn Turnage.
2025 Antioch Police Civilian Employee of the Year Crime Analyst Mike Raney is congratulated by Captain Desmond Bittner during the awards ceremony.
Civilian Employee of the Year – Crime Analyst Mike Raney
It is my honor to present for Civilian of the Year in recognition of an individual whose exceptional dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment have made a significant impact on the mission of the Antioch Police Department.
Serving as a Crime Analyst, this individual consistently performs far beyond the expectations of the position. During a year marked by staffing shortages and increased operational demands, they stepped up without hesitation to ensure that critical investigative and analytical functions continued without disruption. Their initiative and work ethic directly contributed to the success of numerous investigations and helped maintain the overall effectiveness of the department.
Over the past year alone, this person completed more than 100 cellular phone extractions, providing vital digital evidence that proved instrumental in multiple criminal cases. In addition, they authored more than 50 search warrants, demonstrating both strong technical expertise and a thorough understanding of legal standards. Their work has helped investigators obtain timely and lawful access to crucial evidence in complex investigations.
Beyond these measurable accomplishments, what truly sets this individual apart is a willingness to do whatever is needed to support the department. Whether assisting detectives, supporting patrol operations, handling time-sensitive requests, or stepping in to help with responsibilities outside the normal scope of their duties, this person consistently answers the call. Their reliability, adaptability, and problem-solving skills have made them an indispensable resource and a trusted partner to sworn personnel.
While much of this work happens behind the scenes, its impact is anything but hidden. The efforts of this individual have had a direct and lasting effect on public safety, case solvability, and the overall success of the department. Their dedication exemplifies the highest standards of service and reflects great credit upon themselves and the Antioch Police Department.
For extraordinary contributions, selfless commitment, and outstanding performance, it is my honor to recognize this year’s Civilian of the Year Michael Raney.
2025 Antioch Police Distinguished Service Award winner Detective Geoffrey Morris with Sargeant Dan Fachner as Sgt. Rob Green looks on.
Distinguished Service Award – Detective Geoffrey Morris
Detective Geoffrey Morris is recognized for his decisive actions, determination, and leadership during the pursuit and apprehension of an attempted residential burglary suspect on December 30, 2025.
At approximately 0950 hours, patrol units responded to reports of a male suspect moving through residential backyards and attempting to break into a home. The suspect was actively fleeing from officers and had already escalated his behavior by attempting to force entry into an occupied residence. As the suspect continued to move rapidly through neighborhood properties, his actions created an ongoing threat to the safety of local residents.
Detective Morris responded to assist patrol officers and actively participated in the search and containment efforts as updates indicated the suspect was continuing to evade law enforcement. During the operation, officers broadcast information that the suspect had fled into a large open field accessed from Empire Mine Road. When Detective Morris arrived at the location, he immediately identified a locked gate that prevented vehicle access into the area. The gate was secured with a heavy chain and multiple locks anchored by cemented posts, and the surrounding terrain prevented officers from bypassing the barrier with their vehicles. This obstacle created a significant operational challenge and provided the suspect with a critical opportunity to increase distance and escape into open terrain.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the importance of maintaining containment, Detective Morris took immediate action. Using physical force, he defeated the chain and locking mechanism, causing one of the locks to fail and allowing officers to open the gate. His quick and decisive action restored access to Empire Mine Road and enabled responding units to rapidly enter the field and continue the search. Without Detective Morris’s intervention, officers would have been significantly delayed at a crucial moment, greatly increasing the likelihood that the suspect would have escaped.
Shortly after officers gained access to the area, the suspect was located along a dirt path, visibly exhausted and soaked from running through wet terrain. Detective Morris immediately climbed over a four-foot barbed-wire style fence and safely took the suspect into custody without further incident, placing him in handcuffs and maintaining control through proper officer safety procedures.
Detective Morris demonstrated exceptional initiative, determination, and leadership throughout the incident. By recognizing a critical obstacle, acting immediately to overcome it, and decisively taking the suspect into custody in challenging terrain, he directly influenced the successful outcome of the operation. His actions reflect a high level of professionalism and dedication to the safety of the community.
For his outstanding performance and commitment to service, Detective Geoffrey Morris is deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.
2025 Antioch Police Department Life Saving Award winner Officer Kyle Smith is congratulated by Lt. Bill Whitaker during the ceremony.
Life Saving Award – Officer Kyle Smith
On March 18, 2023, Officer Kyle Smith to 137 Wilbur Avenue after an 11-year-old reporting party called 9-1-1 requesting immediate help for an assault in progress.
Upon arrival, Officer Smith encountered a rapidly evolving emergency. Outside the residence he observed clear signs of a violent attack, including a large amount of blood and a knife leading to the open apartment door.
Officer Smith immediately made entry and located multiple victims inside the apartment, including two juveniles, 14-year-old Oscar and 11-year-old Yaret both suffering from stab wounds. Officer Smith quickly assessed the victims and recognized that Oscar had sustained the most critical injuries, including a large open wound to the back near the left shoulder blade with significant bleeding and exposed tissue. Understanding the life-threatening nature of the injury and the urgency of the moment, Officer Smith retrieved his medical kit and immediately began lifesaving measures. He exposed the wound, packed it with gauze, and applied firm direct pressure while closely monitoring Oscar’s condition until emergency medical personnel arrived and assumed care.
Due to the severity of his injuries, Oscar was airlifted to Children’s Hospital in Oakland and was later listed in critical condition. Officer Smith’s immediate and decisive trauma care controlled the bleeding during the most critical moments following the assault and may have been the determining factor in the victim’s survival.
Despite the chaotic and emotionally charged environment, Officer Smith remained composed and continued his duties by obtaining an immediate suspect identification and broadcasting the suspect’s name over the radio. This information proved critical in assisting responding officers, ultimately leading to the suspect’s apprehension following a lengthy high-speed pursuit.
Officer Smith’s actions demonstrated exceptional judgment, composure under extreme pressure, and decisive lifesaving intervention during a critical incident involving severely injured juvenile victims. His swift medical response directly contributed to stabilizing a critically injured child prior to advanced medical treatment.
Officer Kyle Smith’s courage, professionalism, and commitment to protecting the lives of others exemplify the highest standards of the Antioch Police Department and make him deserving of the Life Saving Award. (See related articles here and here)
2025 Antioch Police Department Life Saving Award winners Sgt. Rob Green and Detective Geoffrey Morris. Green is congratulated by Sgt. Dan Fachner (right).
Life Saving Awards – Sergeant Robert Green and Detective Geoffrey Morris
On February 8, 2024, at approximately 1815 hours, officers with the Antioch Police Department responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting that a vehicle had driven into the Antioch Marina boat ramp and had become submerged with the driver still inside.
Sergeant Green and Detective Morris were the first to arrive on scene and immediately observed the vehicle several yards out in the water, with the interior already completely flooded. Without hesitation and recognizing the imminent danger to the trapped occupant, both officers entered the cold water to attempt a rescue.
Upon reaching the vehicle, they discovered an unresponsive female driver inside, facedown and trapped within the submerged car. The vehicle’s doors were locked, preventing immediate access. Acting quickly, Detective Morris used a rescue tool to break a window while Sergeant Green positioned himself to remove the victim. Once the window was broken, Sergeant Green was able to pull the unconscious driver from the vehicle. Detective Morris then carried the victim out of the water and onto the boat ramp where she could receive further assistance.
After the rescue, Sergeant Green returned to the vehicle to ensure no additional occupants were inside. Citizens at the scene assisted by providing ropes to secure the vehicle and prevent it from drifting further into the Delta.
Due to the decisive actions, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by Sergeant Green and Detective Morris, the victim was successfully rescued and later regained consciousness. She was transported to a local hospital where she made a full recovery.
Their willingness to immediately place themselves in danger in order to save the life of another reflects the highest traditions of the Antioch Police Department and is worthy of recognition through the Life Saving Award.
We are incredibly proud of our team and grateful for their commitment to serving our community every day. Congratulations to all of the recipients!