Modesto Police Officers Awarded Prestigious CHP Award
Modesto, CA- Nine Modesto Police officers were recently recognized for their ongoing efforts in reducing auto theft. Each officer was honored with the "10851 Award Pin” for their commitment in arresting car thieves and recovering stolen vehicles.
Auto theft in the Central Valley has been a continuing challenge for local law enforcement officers. On average, the Modesto Police Department receives three stolen vehicle reports a day. Modesto Police Chief Michael Harden said, “The dedication of these officers is part of the reason we have seen a high recovery rate on stolen vehicles in our city.” Stanislaus County law enforcement has been successful in recovering 97% of the vehicles that were reported stolen.
The 10851 Award Pin Program was named after the section of the California Vehicle Code that deals with auto theft. The 10851 Awards were created in 1979, in collaboration with the California Highway Patrol and AAA insurance. The award pins are presented to peace officers throughout California who have been instrumental in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending car thieves. Each year, CHP and AAA recognize those officers who meet the stringent requirements.
On October 14th, nine Modesto police officers were awarded CHP’s coveted 10851 Award. Those officers were Sergeant Rick Applegate and Officer Mark Ulrich who received their 6th award, Officer Todd Musto, Officer Cameron Cromwell, Officer Robert Laxton, and Officer Daniel Starr who received their 5th award, Officer James Murphy who received his 3rd award, and Officers Shawn Kelley and Nolan Thomason who each received their 1st award.
To qualify for this prestigious award, an officer must either:
1. Make 6 “rolling stolen” arrests (the car thieves were inside the stolen vehicle during the stop),
2. Recover 12 unoccupied stolen vehicles, including 3 “rolling stolen”, or
3. Help identify a theft ring, also known as a “chop shop” and recovered at least 10 stolen vehicles.
Address/Location
Modesto Police Department
600 10th St
Modesto, CA 95354
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 209-572-9500
Sergeant Rick Armendariz
Office of the Chief of Police
[email protected]
209-652-1820