Celebrating Glendale’s Finest at Annual Glendale Police Awards Luncheon

Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian (on right) is on the dais prepared to extended greetings from the City at the Glendale Police Luncheon on May 28.
Photos by Ruth SOWBY

The Glendale Hilton was the scene of the crime (stoppers) on May 28. Close to 450 of Glendale’s finest plus Glendale VIPs, family and friends gathered to honor those contributing to 30 years of “Honor, Friendship, and Community Partnership.” The luncheon was hosted by the Glendale Police Foundation.  

Interim Glendale Police Chief Robert William speaks at the Glendale Police Awards Luncheon in the Glendale Hilton Ballroom.

First at the podium was Interim Chief of Police Robert William. The Chief was appointed in December 2025, having served as deputy chief of police. He introduced VIPs present including LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, Burbank Chief of Police Rafael Quintero and Glendale Fire Chief Jeff Brooks. Chief William briefly summarized some of the accomplishments of those being honored.  

“We will see the honorees this afternoon, but will not see the sacrifices behind the award,” said the Chief. 

Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian offered greetings from the City. 

“Thank you [to] all in this room for keeping us safe … Glendale is one of the safest cities in the country. Thank you for wearing the badge with pride,” he said.   

Fresh from emceeing the earlier Scouting America’s Community Impact Breakfast, ABC7 anchor David Ono jumped into emceeing the Police Awards.  

“This is my 25th year as emcee,” he said. “I look forward to it every year.” 

Showing off their Life Saving Awards are, from left, Officer Eduardo Ruiz Jr., Officer Chris Shiley and Officer Rodney Saunders.

Then began the recognition of the awardees. One of several Life Saving Awards went to Officers Chris Shiley, Rodney Saunders and Eduardo Ruiz Jr. The three officers responded to a medical emergency involving a 74-year-old male who was not breathing. Arriving on scene, they immediately initiated CPR and coordinated among them life saving efforts. The victim was successfully resuscitated and ultimately recovered.  

Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Tonnie Fong, with Officer Josh Wofford.

Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Tonnie Fong. According to the luncheon program, “Tonnie has built strong working relationships across department personnel, and his presence is felt in every unit he supports.” Fong helps with office duties and represents the department when he’s out and about in the community.     

Officer Eric Megs is honored as officer of the year at the Glendale Police Awards Luncheon.

Eric Megs was honored as Officer of the Year.  Last year, he received recognition for arresting 12 occupied stolen vehicles. He is considered the most productive member of the Special Enforcement Detail. 

In total, 33 officer awards were presented. Sona Hovsepian was recognized as Civilian of the Year and Ari Simonyan received recognition as Reserve Officer of the Year.  

Proceeds from the event will support grants for specialized equipment, training, youth programs, community partnerships and the K9 Unit. 

Newlyweds Thelma and Gary Montecuollo, Glendale Community College chief of police, are spotted at the Glendale Police Awards Luncheon.
At the 30th Annual Glendale Police Awards Luncheon the colors are posted.