Exchange Club of Fresno's TOP COP AWARD

The Exchange Club of Fresno held its 22nd Annual Top Cops luncheon on Thursday, April 28, 2011. Hosts for the program are club members Dr. Otto Tocchio, professor emeritus of criminology, California State University, Fresno (CSUF) and Marvin Arnold.

This years honorees are Detective MARK EATON, Fresno County Sheriff's Department; Officer EDGAR SANDOVAL, Fresno Police Department; and Officer GEORGE SANTOS, California Highway Patrol. All were selected for this honor by their respective agencies for their outstanding work and accomplishments.

The Top Cops program was created by the efforts of two of our members, Dr. Tocchio and the late Dr. Arthur Margosian, professor emeritus of Journalism at CSUF in 1988 as a tribute to our law enforcement officers. It was their desire to find a way to acknowledge and thank the men and women who daily place their lives on the line so we can enjoy a safer community.

Since the program's inception 23 years ago in Fresno, the Top Cops program has been duplicated by Exchange Clubs nationwide, and remains one of the favorite programs of local Exchange members.

The honorees this year are---

California Highway Patrol

Officer George Santos

Officer Santos has been with the CHP since 1989. He is now a member of the Fresno Area Motorcycle Squad. George's work ethic directly affects Fresno Area's efforts towards the reduction of the mileage death rate in Fresno County. Among other duties, he was the first CHP officer on scene at a "shots fired" call where a law enforcement officer had been severely wounded. He was able to advise the responding CHP units of the direction of the shots fired so as not to create a crossfire situation. George was nominated for a Medal of Valor for his actions. As a Protective Service Detail trained motor officer, George has been involved in many Governors' Details involving processions, escorts, Runs and Motorcycle Competition. Officer Santos was chosen unanimously by the Fresno Area's sergeants because of his "just get the job done" positive attitude.

Detective Mark Eaton has been a Deputy Sheriff with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office for 17 years. During his career he has been a patrol deputy, a property crimes detective, a Gang Suppression Officer, a Field Training Officer, a Crisis Negotiator, a SWAT Team Member and is currently assigned as a Detective in the Homicide Unit. Mark played a key role in what is known as "The Minkler Incident". He was one of four members comprising a search warrant entry team which met stiff resistance while attempting to serve a warrant. The suspect fired upon the group through a closed door hitting one of its members. Detective McEwen instinctively covered the downed officer, Detective Wahlenmaier, with his body to protect him from further harm while the remaining team returned fire and regrouped at the predetermined rally point. By this time, other law enforcement personnel had arrived. At the rally point, Detective Eaton exhibited exceptional leadership by establishing a plan, coordinating personnel, communicating with others and then leading the rescue team back to the mobile home to rescue the two downed comrades. The gun battle continued for several minutes during which time it was learned that Detective Wahlenmaier was mortally wounded. Several allied agencies had responded to the scene to assist their fellow officers who were still in harms way. Heeding the countywide call for help Reedley Police Officer Javier Bejar responded to aid and was also shot and killed by the suspect. The standoff ultimately ended when the suspect took his own life after being wounded by return gunfire.

Fresno County Sheriff's Department

Detective Mark Eaton

Fresno Police Department

Officer Edgar Sandoval

According to his fellow officers, Officer Edgar Sandoval's work ethic is second to none. He is constantly striving to do the best job possible and always with a positive attitude. He is especially devoted to working with children because he realizes that positive attention can dramatically impact a child forever. His continued involvement with the Make-A-Wish Foundation shows his unselfish nature. Edgar is known for taking time to talk with the children on his calls and give them tours of his police car. While on the street, he treats every innocent child as his own, whether he is holding a new born baby to shelter it from the rain or giving a hungry child part of his lunch, he is always making a difference. Above all, Edgar deserves recognition for his golden heart. While relentlessly working toward his goals and aspirations at work, he always makes time for his wife and their child. He speaks of his wife and daughter with such sincerity and admiration, it inspires everyone around to live up to his example. A fellow officer reports "During my career as an Officer...I have worked along side hundreds of officers. Edgar is one of a select few who encompasses everything an officer should strive to be. He is a man of integrity that constantly works to make a positive impact for everyone in our city. He takes time to hear the voice of overlooked victims, and has compassion for his fellow man. If I was in need of an officer to respond to assist me or my family, Officer Sandoval is the first officer I would want to see."

	Officer Edgar Sandoval receives his plaque and letters of commendation from Program Chairman Marvin Arnold, while FPD Chief Jerry Dyer looks on.
Marvin Arnold congratulates Officer George Santos after CHP Area Commander Captain Roy Huerta made the presentation. All honorees received a plaque and letters of commendation from Senator Dianne Feinstein, Representative Jim Costa and Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin.
	Detective Mark Chapman received the award from Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mimms on behalf of Detective Mark Eaton who was busy helping his wife deliver their third baby.