 |
| |
Reuben Garcia was born in the late summer, in Pacoima, California. Being loyal to his roots here in Pacoima, Reuben started his career at Target, where he began his employment as a stock boy. He worked hard through the first twelve years while employed by Target, promoting to a supervisory position, which he has now held for more than thirteen years.
Through his 25 years of work experience at Target, his love for community grew as he dealt with the public. He became involved in Community Based Policing. He acquired a sure knowledge of the importance of working hand in hand with the police department. He became one of the Department’s “go to” people.
Reuben was the former president of the Pacoima Neighborhood Council. He remains active, currently serving as a chair person on the Safety Committee with a total of six years on the Council Board. He has also chaired the Election Committee and has assisted in receiving approval for, Foothill Division, obtaining a License Plate Reader for a patrol unit to help recover stolen vehicles. He was also instrumental in obtaining the approval for much needed equipment for the Division’s Volunteer Surveillance Team, including surveillance apparatus to better facilitate the functionality of the unit.
As of November of 2006, Reuben has been assigned to the Foothill Volunteer Surveillance Team, volunteering approximately 480 hours of his own time. These efforts assist Foothill officers and the community they serve, as they proactively aid in making arrests that include Narcotics, Burglary/Theft from Motor Vehicles, Grand Theft Auto, Vandalism, Burglary, Theft and Curfew violations. His expertise, job knowledge and supervisory skills have facilitated the training of more than thirty volunteers.
To name just a couple of his many accomplishments, Reuben, with the assistance of community members, renovated the playground at Hillary T. Broadous Elementary School. In one weekend, new grass and trees were planted with new playground equipment built. This was a selfless accomplishment done for the betterment of the children.
Since 2007, Reuben has also spear-headed the yearly National Nite Out. This is a time consuming task where through its purpose, strengthens neighborhood spirit and police-community partnership; and sends a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. In keeping with the spirit of which this night was intended, Reuben decided to honor Block Captain Harry Williams for his more than seventeen years of heading the “Arleta Looky-Loos” Neighborhood Watch group. Reuben worked closely with Deputy Chief Michel Moore in making this a grandiose event go off without a hitch, honoring this beloved, truly devoted community member.
Reuben has achieved too many undertakings to mention them all. He continues to put others first with little thought of his own. He remains focused on educating those in his community and developing a more solid partnership in building trust, confidence and respect with local law enforcement, politicians and with personnel from various Departments of Public Works. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
valley bureau 
