A team of officers responsible for deploying the Santa Maria Police Department’s drones during incidents was recognized Wednesday during the agency’s annual awards luncheon. 

Chief Marc Schneider announced the Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, or drone team, as one recipient of the awards handed out during the event at the Police Station on West Betteravia Road. The award winners were nominated by their peers and chosen by a committee composed of a cross-section of employees, Schneider said.

The Distinguished Team Award spotlights a group of employees providing outstanding service, with a perpetual plaque passed from winner to winner each year, Schneider said.

“We’re in the business of trying to implement tools that are going to make everyone’s jobs safer, the community safer,” the chief said. “When we implemented the drone program, that was a program that significantly changed how we do things at the Santa Maria Police Department.”

For example, officers deploy drones into homes before entering what could be a dangerous scene. This gives subjects time to comply and surrender, the chief said. It also gives police time to plan their handling of a situation based on what the camera-equipped drone reveals.

“These folks here do a phenomenal job. They’re very invested in the program,” Schneider said. “It’s going to be a program that I see really continuing, expanding and growing. The technology that’s available nowadays is phenomenal.”

The team — made up of nine officer pilots, one sergeant and one lieutenant — oversee a fleet of drones for interior and exterior uses, plus a robot. The aircraft boast assorted tools such high-intensity spotlights, night vision capability, loudspeakers, two-way intercom communication and video for both daytime and nighttime use.

Both the Santa Maria department and neighboring agencies benefitted in 2022 from the drones operating at crime scenes and for search and rescue efforts, Schneider said. 

While helicopters from other law enforcement agencies also help out, the drones can become airborne quicker providing critical information about an incident, Schneider said. Drone team members on patrol carry the aircraft so they can launch an unmanned aircraft quickly.

In 2022, the team conducted 80 operations, mitigating risks and contributing to favorable outcomes, Schneider said.

“The professionalism, commitment and work ethic displayed by the team has ultimately led to improved police services,” Schneider added. 

Also during Wednesday’s event, Officer Rafael Pacheco accepted the Officer of the Year Award from the chief.

Pacheco, who has worked for the department since 2019, served as a field training officer, receiving commendation for his actions leading a trainee during an armed carjacking incident. 

He also serves on the SWAT team, instructs on less-than-lethal weapons and volunteers for the Explorer program

“Officer Pacheco consistently exhibits a positive, humble and friendly attitude,” Schneider read from the award nomination. “He remains proactive throughout his shift and is well-respected by both his peers and supervisors.”

Pacheco consistently volunteers to assist with the department’s community outreach projects, Schneider added.

“His work ethic demonstrates a commitment to serving the community with excellence and he represents the Santa Maria Police Department in a positive, professional manner,” Schneider said. 

Senior Dispatcher David Washington was given the Dispatcher of the Year Award with Schneider recognizing the man’s role as a team player and strong leader. 

Alejandra Cervantes, police services technician, received the Support Employee of the Year Award, recognizing the varied duties she fulfilled including juggling subpoenas for department staff summoned to testify in court.

This included the parallel trials in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara for defendants linked to the MS-13 criminal gang members tied to multiple homicides in the city.

Two officers, Pacheco and Officer Ricardo Castro, were given commendations for exceptional performance on the job.

A lifesaving award went to Officer Juan Rubio, who was credited for administering care to an unresponsive woman in distress on Donovan Road. Doctors at Marian Regional Medical Center later credited the officer’s actions to administer CPR for saving the woman’s life, Schneider said.