In a recent government meeting, the Ontario Police Department celebrated its success in the annual Baker to Vegas relay race, where they secured first place in their division for the second consecutive year. Sergeant Joe Estrada, co-captain of the team, highlighted the department's long-standing participation in the event, which spans 120 miles from Baker, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. The team, consisting of 20 runners, underwent a rigorous five-month training program, logging over 4,500 miles in preparation.
Estrada expressed gratitude for the support from the city officials and the community, noting that the race not only represents a victory for the police department but also for the community as a whole. This year, the event was live-streamed on social media, allowing community members to engage and encourage the runners throughout the race.
In addition to their athletic achievements, the police department also emphasized its commitment to community outreach. Sergeant Estrada announced the awarding of three $1,000 scholarships to local high school students—Jacob and Gloria from Ontario High School, and Benedict from Colony High School—recognizing their academic and athletic accomplishments. Each recipient is set to continue their education at notable universities, including Cal Poly Pomona and UC San Diego.
The meeting concluded with a promise from the police department to return next year to defend their title in the Baker to Vegas relay, reinforcing their dedication to both competitive excellence and community engagement.