Three years ago, Officer Brian Greene discussed with his supervision the possibility of participating in a Baker-to-Vegas 120-Mile Relay race. Upon receiving approval, a team was put together consisting of a combination of five officers from the Tustin Police Department and 15 officers from the La Habra Police Department. Subsequently, two years ago Officer Greene proposed putting together a team consisting of just Tustin Police Department personnel to participate in the race. Officer Greene advised that Mary Novotny had agreed to participate and do whatever was necessary as far as volunteers and handling the support side of the race.
Last year the race came together for the Tustin Team, and approximately 50 runners and support people went to Vegas for the weekend where the Team Tustin took Fifth Place in its division.
This year Brian and Mary worked almost year-round on the event and in the last two months leading up to the event, spent several hours putting together volunteers, runners, a race plan, attending meetings, getting City and Police vehicles, and securing sponsors. The event this year went extremely well. All who participated both runners and support personnel said it was the greatest weekend they spent with the police department. All the hard work and effort by Officer Brian Greene and Lead Mary Novotny paid off as the Tustin Police Department took first prize in their division for the Baker to Vegas 120- Mile Relay race.
The success of this event can be attributed to many people, those who went to the race, those who stayed behind and worked, as well as upper management giving their approval for the event. However, if not for the hard work of Officer Brian Greene and Record Lead Mary Novotny the event would not have taken place.
For the above reasons it is our pleasure to honor Officer Brian Greene and Records Lead Mary Novotny as the Chamber of Commerce “Officers of the Month” for May 2002.
* * *
The Tustin Police Officer of the Month Award recognition began in 1972 as an idea developed by Chamber Member, Jack Shafer of Computer Bits, as a way of recognizing our community officers.
The honoree is recognized during the Tustin Chamber of Commerce Membership Breakfast held the 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club.
The Officer’s name is engraved on a plaque which is on display at the Tustin Police Department. His/her name and picture are also placed on the Tustin Chamber of Commerce Web Site.
