As the city awaits word on its new top cop, officials welcomed its newest police officer Monday during a swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.
David Calderon, 30, was sworn in as the newest member of the South Pasadena Police Department at a ceremony Monday morning in the City Council chambers with his family, friends, city officials and members of the So Pas Police Department in attendance.
“I’m excited,” Calderon said just prior to the ceremony that was conducted by Interim Police Chief Brian Solinsky. “I’m humbled to be here. I can’t wait to get to work. I’m looking forward to working with this great family out here. And working with the community here.”
Calderon’s family was in attendance during the ceremony, which featured his Aunt Lili Hadsell, the retired police chief of Baldwin Park, who administered the oath. In fact, Calderon’s family has a strong law enforcement background. His brother, Fernando Calderon is a police officer in North Las Vegas, Nev., Police Department; his other brother, Jorge Calderon, is a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff and one other brother, Juan Carlos, is a home-security consultant. Calderon’s mother, Anna, and his sister, Sonia Calderon, were also on hand for the ceremony.
“I am so proud of my son,” Anna Calderon said. Calderon’s nine-year-old son, Joseph, also was in attendance.
Prior to Calderon’s taking the oath, Solinsky offered encouraging words of support.
“This is a tremendous and proud day for David,” Solinsky said to the gathered crowd, including City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe, City Councilmembers Bob Joe and Diana Mahmud and a dozen members of the So Pas Police Department. “David, today your join the ranks of those whose mission has been to guard freedom and to protect the innocent from violence. To provide the quality of life that families dream about and you carry these hopes upon your shoulders.”
After David Calderon took the oath, Solinsky asked nine-year-old Joseph to pin the badge on his father’s uniform. Joseph scurried to his dad, pinned the badge as requested, threw his arms around him and said, “you’re my hero.”
Calderon started work Thursday in patrol. He brings the local force to 32 officers, according to Solinsky.
