Redlands Police Reserve Officer Paul Smith was named the California Reserve Peace Officers Association’s Officer of the Year at a ceremony in Sacramento Friday, Aug. 17.
“Paul’s exceptional contributions of time and resources include working patrol, background investigations, special events, and nearly anything else asked of him,” said Redlands Chief of Police Chris Catren, who attended Friday’s award ceremony. “He also volunteers as a tactical officer with the Sheriff’s Department and helps train future peace officers. We have known for many years that Paul is an outstanding person, officer and friend and this award is further proof that he is truly an exceptional member of this Department.”
Smith, who works full time as the managing partner and general manager for Toyota of Redlands, has been a Reserve Police Officer with the Redlands Police Department for more than 14 years and volunteers an average 500 hours per year.
Smith was named the department’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2017. He received the Commanders Award in 2016, Reserve Officer of the Year in 2015 and Citizen of the Year in 2013 from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
In 2014, Smith was recognized for his bravery and dedication during an incident involving an armed and barricaded suspect inside a house.
In 2013, he was named the City of Redlands Public Safety Volunteer of the Year.
Smith has received numerous additional official commendations and recognition over the past 14 years.
The Redlands Police Department Reserve Unit is comprised of volunteers from a variety of professions, who live in Redlands or neighboring communities. The Redlands Police Department hires only those individuals who have successfully completed the training requirements for a Level I & Level II Reserve Officer. Reserve officers receive extensive training in the many facets of law enforcement, which they routinely put to use while assisting the department.
Reserve officers render valuable assistance to all units in the department including patrol, traffic, community policing, and investigations. They are also involved in investigative and administrative assistance.
The Reserve Unit also serves as valuable training for future law enforcement officers. Throughout the history of the Unit many members have been hired by the Redlands Police Department and other local agencies as fulltime police officers. Reserves are unpaid, donating many hours of service to the residents of Redlands.
The California Reserve Peace Officers Association was founded in 1974 for the purpose of raising the professional, educational and employment standards of reserve peace officers. The CRPOA works with individual reserves, reserve associations, departments, the State Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and the California Legislature for the betterment and welfare of reserves. Although originally founded solely for the benefit of reserve officers, the Association now also serves search and rescue members and volunteers in policing. The organization’s annual conference was held Aug. 15-18.