Pasadena Police Department Press Release - WISDOM LODGE No. 202 RECOGNIZES PASADENA POLICE OFFICERS FOR THEIR SERVICE BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY
PASADENA, CA – On September 13, 2017, the Pasadena Masonic Center, Wisdom Lodge #202, will recognize Pasadena Police Officers Brendan Thebeau and Clinton Harrell for the prestigious honor of “Service Beyond the Call of Duty Award.”
Officer Brendan Thebeau has been with the Pasadena Police Department (PPD) for approximately one and a half (1½) years, previously serving in the US Army for four and a half (4 ½) years and an officer with the Torrance Police Department for three and a half (3 ½) years. Since coming to the PPD, Officer Thebeau has done a tremendous job in patrol as a Field Training Officers and member of the collateral SWAT team.
Officer Clinton Harrell has been with Pasadena Police Department for approximately two (2) years, previously with the Los Angeles Police Department for 10 years. He was also a Field Training Officer and a member of the collateral SWAT team, but now is assigned to the Air Operations Unit as an observer. Clinton also served four (4) years in the Marine Corps.
Their collective service to Country and community for 25 years is honorable, but it is their collective achievements with the Pasadena Police Department since 2016 that has earned them this award.
During the latter part of 2016, the City of Pasadena was plagued by a highly volatile and active gang war between a local Pasadena criminal street gang and a rival street gang from Monrovia. A myriad of drive-by and walk-up shootings resulted in several assaults and homicides. PPD officers were on high alert, vigilant, and unwavering in their efforts to stop the violence and bring those involved to justice. Officers Harrell and Brendan were an intrigue part of the efforts to subdue the violence.
On Monday, January 9, 2017 at 2:11 am, Officers Harrell and Thebeau attempted to stop a vehicle for suspected drunk driving. The driver did not yield to the officers and a short vehicle pursuit began. The officers followed the vehicle into a parking lot where the suspects were detained. While detaining them, Officers Harrell and Thebeau learned from the active gang member suspects there were at least 5 firearms in the car.
The officers located in the vehicle one (1) loaded assault rifle and four (4) loaded handguns, along with numerous rounds of ammunition. Officers Harrell and Thebeau demonstrated robust leadership skills, as well as strong tactical communication skills, resulting in an apprehension and peaceful resolution. In addition, Officer Thebeau did an outstanding job making critical radio broadcasts and controlling the situation while Officer Harrell did an excellent job setting a safe pace for suspect apprehension.
Additionally, as proactive patrol officers and partners, in December 2016 they were investigating a residential burglary when they located two suspects, one who violently resisted during the arrest; In March 2017, they responded to a call of a knife attack amount transients where the suspect was still armed and initially refused to comply. Officers used less-lethal force and took him into custody without injury. Also in March 2017, Officers Harrell and Thebeau were flagged down while on patrol and advised that a restaurant was just robbed. Upon diligently searching the neighborhoods, they located the robbery suspect, the firearm replica and the stolen money. Officer Harrell and Officer Thebeau’s proactive efforts have played a significant role in the interruption and reduction of violent crimes in the city.
“We are extremely proud and honored that Pasadena’s finest is once again recognized by Wisdom Lodge #202. This year’s recipients have served Pasadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley with honor and distinction”, said Police Chief Phillip L. Sanchez.
This is Wisdom Lodge’s 16th year of recognizing exceptional public service during their annual Observance of the United States Constitution. Lodge members support the belief that as citizens we should recognize the United States Constitution as the document that carries the ideals that founded this country, and pause to remember all the great men and women who have stood for, defended, and fought to maintain those ideals in their truest form. Recognizing individuals in public safety that provided “service beyond the call of duty” furthers this commemoration.
Photos of the officers included.
For More Information: Police PIO Lt Tracey Ibarra 626.744.6485
