Davon Matthews, Probation Officer II Honored as Adult Field Deputy Officer of the Year by the Black Probation Officers Association The Black Probation Officers Association recognized Davon Matthews for his leadership, vast knowledge, and significant contributions to the field of corrections as part of their 50th anniversary celebration. Deputy Probation Officer Matthews gives unselfishly of his time and expertise by serving as a trainer and mentor to many incoming AB 109 officers. Debby Westcott, Supervising Deputy Probation Officer; and Krista Newble, Deputy Probation Officer II Honored as Antelope Valley Probation Officers of the Year The Antelope Valley Bar Association honors members of its local legal and law enforcement community at the Annual Law Day Event. In 2018, the association recognized Debby Westcott and Krista Newble for their hard work and dedicated commitment to AB 109 clients, citizens of the Antelope Valley, and L.A. County Probation. Dalila Alcantara, Probation Bureau Chief Honored for Hispanic Heritage Month As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, First District County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis recognized Dalila Alcantara for her outstanding contribution to both Probation and L.A. County. As Bureau Chief for Detention Services, Alcantara manages the day-to-day operations of Probation’s three juvenile halls and the Transportation Division. Employee Recognition Phoebe Walker, Supervising Detention Services Officer Outstanding Supervisor Award California Association of Probation Institution Administrators (CAPIA) Nakitta Smith, Detention Services Officer Outstanding Line Staff Award California Association of Probation Institution Administrators (CAPIA) Jennifer Salveson, Deputy Probation Officer II Officer of the Year California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA) Claudia Quinonez, Senior Investigator Arlyn Webster Award California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association (CPPCA) L.A. County Probation Officer Honored as Statewide Officer of the Year John Perico, a 20-year veteran of L.A. County’s Probation Department, was selected from thousands of officers across the region to win the Chief Probation Officers Organization (CPOC) Award, and was chosen from the top five winners from across the state as the Employee of the Year by CPOC. Currently serving as a Supervising Deputy Probation Officer, Perico considers his greatest accomplishment the establishment of Probation’s highly successful K9 unit. Understanding the need for added officer safety and improved ways to search for contraband, he spent many years building a case for this valuable tool before its initiation in late 2017. In presenting the award, the CPOC also honored Perico’s valiant role during the Las Vegas shooting tragedy. Perico attended the concert himself on October 1, 2017, when a gunman opened fire on the crowd. During this tragic event, he demonstrated compassion and courage by escorting numerous concert attendees to safety while putting his own life at risk. Perico depended on rapid decision-making skills honed during his career to assess the area and locate a safe and protected area. Perico embodied the true mission of enhancing public safety through his selfless, courageous acts that helped others survive. Probation Honors its Own Service Members at Veterans Day Tribute The Probation Department honored staff members who served in the armed forces with a special ceremony and luncheon in November. The veterans, representing each branch of the military, received certificates from the Probation Department acknowledging their contributions to the United States. “We would not be able to live the lives that we live in America if it were not for your sacrifice,” said Chief McDonald. “You are our heroes and today we celebrate you and your commitment to our nation.” Over 70 honorees and distinguished guests attended an inspirational keynote address on commitment, bravery and community service by Investigator Aid Maria Aguirre, a Major in the United States Navy presently serving in the Army Reserves. “Today was amazing. The Department has never done anything like this before and it is very much appreciated. Today made all of us feel special. I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebration.” — Administrative Services Manager and Veteran of the Army National Guard, Evon Coburn L.A. County Probation Department | 2018 Annual Report 65 64 L.A. County Probation Department | 2018 Annual Report