MADD honors SBPD Officer Lopez

By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com

(Staff photo by Heather Cathleen Cox)
Seen Monday are SBPD Operations Chief Martin Morales Jr. with officer Hector Lopez, who recently received the Enforcement Hero Award from MADD.

At the regular meeting of the San Benito City Commission held Tuesday, July 1, a peace officer with the San Benito Police Department (SBPD) received special recognition by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization.

According to their website, “The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.” In an effort to assist its cause, MADD rewards certain local law enforcers for going above and beyond the call of duty, with the Enforcement Hero Award. This award is for certain officers who have made a significant number of DWI arrests in the last calendar year.

This year, SBPD Chief of Operations Martin Morales Jr. nominated officer Hector Lopez to represent San Benito. Chief Morales said, “Every year we participate with MADD, and we nominate someone from our department who has had the most DWI arrests. In our department, we chose Hector because he showed the most activity. We submitted his name, and through the MADD organization, he ended up with an enforcement hero award.”

“Hector represented our department and organization well,” said Chief Morales.

Lopez, who made 26 DWI arrests last year, had the highest number of DWI arrests within the department. Morales explained, “If you think about it, (Lopez) has to patrol and answer calls and handle other situations. He has to deal with burglaries and (more), and he was still able to enforce traffic related crimes. To me, that’s really going above and beyond and managing time well. He’s busy at every moment, not taking extra brakes. He’s actually out there busy and working at all times. It’s quality work.”

A rookie officer, Lopez may have only been with the department since December 2012, but this is certainly not his first encounter with public recognition. “He’s one of my top guys,” said Morales, “and this is the third award he received this year.”

In March, the Chief gave Lopez a letter of recognition with regard to excellent police work in a runaway case. A runaway juvenile returned home; however, “through his observations, (Lopez) noticed that something else was wrong. So he took the juvenile to the station… This officer was (ultimately) able to pick up on observations and clues that helped tie in the runaway to the burglary. (His diligence) solved a burglary, and that burglary led to solving another.”

Lopez was also honored with a medal for Meritorious Conduct in March, with regard to his contribution in a major vehicle collision in December 2013. “He didn’t wait for fire or rescue team,” said Chief Morales of Lopez. The driver of the vehicle was in his car, which was stuck in a muddy ditch full of water and/or debris. Lopez “stripped his gear, and he went into the ditch. He could’ve drowned or gotten stuck, he didn’t care. Between him and a couple of other officers and the fire department, the driver was able to be pulled from the car.”

On how it feels to be a newly-licensed peace officer, Lopez stated, “It’s a small department, but I’ve learned a lot. Everyone is there to help everybody out. Everybody’s willing to lend a hand, and if you’ve got a question they help you no matter what. If you’re willing to learn, they’re willing to teach you.”

A humble but happy Lopez expressed, “It feels great” to have been honored by his department and the Chief. “I like showing the department, the chief (and) my sergeants that I like working. It feels good to be making a difference. It feels good to go to work and know that you’re doing what is being asked of you.”

Lopez expressed that he views his position with the SBPD as more than just a job. He views being an officer as a chance to help a fellow human being. Lopez said, “If all I have to do to help someone is to lend a hand, then I’m gonna do it. We’re not here to do our duties just on paper.”

A proud Chief Morales added, “This guy has been doing very well for us. We’re very proud to have him on the force. Him being out there, I know the citizens will get top of the line service.”

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