News: November 2009

Latino group honors city police detective

Published November 5, 2009

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

TRENTON—One of the city’s veteran detectives was honored by a national law enforcement organization last week for his legacy of community service and involvement in youth causes.

Detective Luis Medina received the President’s Award from the Latino Peace Officers Association, the highest honor the organization bestows.

“He has had a lasting impact, he’s had a significant impact in other people’s lives,” local chapter president Sgt. Ivan Mendez said.

Medina also was given the local chapter’s Community Service Award and a resolution from the city at a dinner held at the Pines Manor In Edison on Friday evening. Mendez said Medina has been involved with the police department’s Youth Explorers program for 20 years and active with the city community during his entire time as a police officer.

“This is his passion, something he loves doing,” Mendez said.

Medina’s work has also inspired Latino men and women to make the police department their choice for a career, said police spokesman Sgt. Pedro Medina.

“Luis along with the Latino Peace Officers Association has been instrumental in recruiting Latinos to join the police department,” Pedro Medina, who is no relation to Luis, said.

Mendez said that one-third of the city police department is currently Latino, including 12 sergeants and six lieutenants. Out of about 60 detective positions, 20 are filled by Latino police officers.

Luis Medina is set to retire in 10 months after 26 years on the job.

According to the Latino Peace Officers Association, the President’s Award “is intended to mark a distinguished career of consistent excellence ... and is bestowed upon an individual who is a living role model in the Public Safety Field. ... One who has made significant fundamental contributions to the Public Safety and the Latino communities, through service, leadership, and mentorship which has had a lasting and significant impact on the community.”

Alex Zdan
STAR-LEDGER STAFF