The Pasadena Police Foundation’s Annual Chief’s Breakfast on Wednesday at the Pasadena Hilton gathered city leaders, regional law-enforcement partners and community supporters to honor Pasadena Police Chief Eugene “Gene” Harris and celebrate officers, civilian staff and youth who exemplify service.
ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Marc Cota-Robles emceed the program, welcoming Mayor Victor Gordo, Councilmember Rick Cole, Councilmember Steve Madison, City Manager Miguel Márquez, Fire Chief Chad Augustin, and police leaders from across Los Angeles County. Foundation President Brandon Carroll opened with a tribute to first responders for their work during the Eaton Fire.
Gordo praised the “strong police department led by a strong leader in Chief Harris,” and thanked officers and civilian employees for service that lets residents “sleep well at night.”
The Foundation spotlighted the Pasadena Police Department’s K-9 Unit, introducing six teams including Detective Robert Christian and narcotics-detection K-9 Chase, who has recovered thousands of pounds of narcotics and millions in illegal proceeds.
The Bernard K. Melekian Outstanding Youth Award went to Explorer Nicole Booker, a John Muir High School senior recognized for her four-year transformation through the Explorer program—leading color guard details, competing in the SWAT Fitness Challenge, and maintaining a strong GPA. Booker thanked God, her mother, mentors and Pasadena Police Department advisors for guidance.
The Yanish Family Officer of the Year award went to Officer Michael Bentley, cited for notable recoveries of stolen vehicles and illegally possessed firearms, mentorship of peers, and community outreach. “Really this award belongs to my partners, my FTOs and my supervisors,” Bentley said, dedicating the moment to his mother, a retired dispatcher. The department also named
Property and Evidence Technician Fidel Castillo Pineda its Professional Staff Member of the Year.
Chief Harris redirected attention to the Foundation and workforce. “Though it says ‘Chief’ on the marquee, it’s absolutely not about the chief,” he said. He credited the Foundation for enabling youth programs and the K-9 Unit, and highlighted partnerships with oversight bodies and neighboring agencies.
“Without donors we couldn’t do these things,” Harris said. “You really are the face of the services to this community.”
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