#WhyIWearTheBadge is a campaign designed to highlight the diversity and commitment of the law enforcement profession. The badge is a symbol of courage, strength, and integrity. With the display of the badge comes great responsibility. So why do hundreds of thousands of men and women wear the badge each day?
For the month of October, the Santa Clara Police Department would like to recognize Officer Mark Shimada. Mark has spent his entire career with SCPD. He started his career as a Police Officer in 1994, when gas was only $1.15 a gallon!
Mark has worked a wide variety of assignments including: Patrol, DARE/School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer and a Crimes Against Persons Detective in his 25 years of service. Mark is most proud of the life-long relationships he built with the community, especially the Santa Clara Unified School District. Mark has also participated in dozens of community-engagement events such as the annual National Night Out campaign, Shop with a COP program and Coffee with a COP.
Growing up in Silicon Valley, Mark always wanted to be a police officer. Mark started in public safety by working as a Great America security officer. He earned degrees from Mission College and San Jose State University to reach his public safety goals. Recently, Mark became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) to get a head start on his post-retirement career and to better serve the Santa Clara community. What you may not know about Mark, is that he was the recipient of the prestigious Life Saving Award. The Life Saving Award is awarded to an employee who saves a life by direct action or, under an emergency, sustains the life of another human being. With great honor, Mark was awarded 4 separate Life Saving Awards for his heroic acts.
Why I enjoy being a police officer?
When a prospective police officer faced their hiring oral boards, nearly all of us would state they wanted to become a police officer to “help people.” I enjoy police work because I have been able to help people in their times of need and, occasionally, inspire them in their future endeavors. Hearing stories like these have made police work enjoyable and rewarding:
* A domestic violence victim getting a fresh start at improving their life
* A CPR recipient seeing his children grow into parents
* A sexual assault victim getting freedom, and justice, as they entered adulthood
* Seeing former D.A.R.E. students enter public service as a nurse, teacher and one a police officer, as SCPD’s newest recruit police officer
Mark is extremely honored to serve the citizens of Santa Clara. Mark feels fortunate to have a supportive community and co-workers, which has made his career unforgettable. As Mark approaches his finish line, he would like to say, “Thank you, Santa Clara for 25 glorious years!”
