Los Angeles, California, 2013-01-18 — /travelprnews.com/ — Los Angeles Airport Police Officer Cipriano Montes, a five-year veteran, was recognized at the annual Police and Fire Appreciation luncheon today hosted by the Inglewood Airport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Los Angeles Airport Police Chief Patrick M. Gannon said, “I am very proud to have officers who put their personal goals aside in order to help others achieve their goals, both professionally and personally. This is what Officer Montes does every day. Because of officers like him, this agency is, and will continue to be, the leader in aviation law enforcement.”
Since beginning his career with Los Angeles Airport Police in 2007, Officer Montes has proven to be a leader and mentor through his efforts to inspire and motivate others to maintain a positive and professional attitude and to push beyond their own perceived limitations.
During his time in the Patrol Services Section, he perceived low morale among the officers. He decided to tell his personal story during roll call and initiated motivational speeches/discussions that have touched the lives of many of his peers. He inspired other officers and supervisors to use roll call as a tool for motivation and this remains an important practice of Patrol Services.
Assigned to the Training & Recruitment Unit in February 2012, Officer Montes quickly made a significant impact by leading the Airport Police Candidate Workout Program and holding two-hour sessions twice a week. These efforts help prepare potential future Airport Police officers for the demands of the Los Angeles Police Academy, resulting in fewer injuries to the recruits, as well as better physically- conditioned recruits who set the standard for their academy classmates. Officer Montes, along with other training and recruitment personnel, plays an integral role in the Airport Police Cadet Program that was formed last year. He mentors, trains and coaches cadets, as well as serves as a cadet instructor in the police academy on the weekends. Last year, 21 cadets graduated from the Airport Police Cadet Program.
Officer Montes proactively assists fellow officers and supervisors with achieving and maintaining their health and fitness goals. His wealth of knowledge in sports and fitness resulted in changes to the training and recruitment program. He proposed and instituted a Wellness-at-Work Program for sworn, non-sworn and civilian personnel of every fitness level, and holds one-hour workout sessions two to three times a day, several times a week. He teaches methods for reducing stress and improving eating habits and overall health. His sensitivity, genuine concern and encouragement have led many Airport Police employees to exercise more and focus on improving their health.
Demonstrating one of the core values of Airport Police, Officer Montes consistently goes above and beyond what is expected. He has become a role model to others by encouraging his peers to take pride in their profession, to always be supportive of one another, and to be their best physically. Officer Cipriano Montes is a true example of a caring, compassionate and focused leader in the aviation law enforcement community.
Los Angeles Airport Police is the fourth largest law enforcement agency in Los Angeles County with more than 1,100 law enforcement, security and staff personnel. Los Angeles Airport Police is a division of Los Angeles World Airports, the City department that owns and operates three airports in Southern California: LAX, LA/Ontario International (ONT), and Van Nuys (general aviation).
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Contact: Sgt. Karla I. Ortiz
(424) 646-5260