Preciado named Ojai's Deputy of the Year
by Lenny Roberts

The Kiwanis Club of Ventura has honored Deputy Joe Preciado as Ojai's Deputy of the Year.
Each year, the club asks law enforcement offices countywide to deliver the name of one officer to be placed on the perpetual trophies. The officer who is selected is chosen by not only fellow deputies and supervisors, but by all non-sworn station personnel as well.
The award is given annually to the local law enforcement officer who most exemplifies his profession, and was presented at a luncheon in Ventura last week.
Preciado will have his name inscribed on a perpetual trophy on display at the Ojai Police Station. His name will follow those of many officers who have been recognized for excellence and commitment, most recently Deputies Mike Marco in 2001, Dave Sparks in 2000, Mark Burgess in 1999, and Maureen Hookstra in 1998.
Preciado has been a Ventura County Sheriff's deputy since graduating from the academy in 1993. He is a patrol deputy who also serves as a gang officer, field training officer, a member of Ojai's Bike Patrol and the Sheriff's Department's Special Weapons and Tactics team (S.W.A.T.).
Sheriff's Sergeant Ken Edling, who also serves as Ojai's administrative sergeant, praised Preciado for being a proven leader. "A lot of the guys deserve recognition," Edling began. "But Joe is self-motivated and very much of a go-getter who utilizes real good common sense on the streets. A lot of this job is discretionary.
"When he was on bike patrol, he made a significant impact on the transients at Libbey Park, where he was assigned. He was taking people to jail on warrants almost daily."
Preciado lives in Santa Paula with his wife Nicole and three children.
"They asked me to give a speech, and the first thing I thought of saying was that I really thanked God because he gave me the ability to perform my job the way I do," Preciado said.
"But first of all, I thank my wife, because in law enforcement, one of the toughest jobs is being a spouse, and as tough as it was, she really supported me. And thanks to my kids for all the time I'm not home.
"Lastly, to the people at the station, from Tina (Cook) and Belinda (Williams) to the sergeants, captain and all my peers. I don't think you can become a good person without a great amount of support."

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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