CONTACT:     Bertha Melgar 
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LA AIRPORT POLICE OFFICER JANETTE MARIE UTSEY IS NOMINATED FOR THE HOMER L. GARROTT COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD  

(Los Angeles, California – April 10, 2013) Selfless dedication, commitment to serving and empowering members of the community; just a few of the reasons Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Janette Marie Utsey has been selected as nominee for the recipient of the 2013 Homer L. Garrott Community Service Award.   
Presented by the Southern California Chapter of National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (“NOBLE”,) the award recognizes and honors dedicated professionals who are committed to the community they serve.  Utsey entered the Los Angeles Airport Police Department with a wealth of expertise and a focus on community service and public works.  Her career path included serving as a Detention Officer for LAPD; Logistics with Transportation Security Administration; and time spent with the Los Angeles Unified School Board.
Officer Utsey completed of the LAPD Basic Police Academy class of November 2008.  During academy training, Utsey’s desire to succeed as a team player, combined with her passion for inspiring and motivating fellow recruits, earned her the Tina Kerbrat Award for being recognized as the most inspirational recruit.
Utsey earned a bachelor’s degree from the International School of Ministry Vision University.  During off duty hours Officer Utsey volunteers her time at the Santa Ana and Theo Lacy Jails where she mentors, encourages and inspires prison inmates hoping for a better future.  Officer Utsey also works with young people at the Las Padrinos and Slymar Juvenile Detention Centers, encouraging, counseling and giving them hope for a brighter future.
Officer Utsey believes in giving back to the community by volunteering at hospitals and convalescent homes, talking and reading to the patients; donating to various causes and programs within the community-  clothes, food, books, toys, furniture, funds, supplies; street ministering in Hollywood to offer encouragement and needed community  referrals; and participation in Missions.  On a mission toTecate, Mexico, Utsey collaborated with various local programs to address the immediate and long term needs of the community.
The Airport Police Division is honored to have such an exemplary employee like Police Officer Janette Utsey.  Congratulations on your well-deserved nomination.
The Los Angeles Airport Police Division is the Nation's premier aviation law enforcement agency with over 1,100 specially trained police officers, security officers, and civilian staff protecting Los Angeles International, Ontario International, and Van Nuys airports.