Council honors dispatchers, police and correctional staff; Chinese American Association donates $7,500, mayor matches for Explorer program

The West Covina City Council used its May 20 meeting to present multiple proclamations recognizing public-safety personnel and youth programs and to accept a private donation to the Police Explorer program.

The council issued a proclamation honoring dispatchers and recognized the role of dispatch staff as the community's first responders to 911 calls; Natalie Lundy was mentioned as dispatcher supervisor. The council also presented a proclamation for National Police Week and recognized Corporal Kenny Benitez for his service and recovery from an on-duty shooting in 2016; Lieutenant Brian Daniels described participating in the Police Unity Tour fundraising ride to Washington, D.C. The council held a proclamation for National Correctional Officer Week and thanked jail staff who manage the city's booked custody facility (approximately 24 beds, per the police presentation).

Separately, Daniel, representing the Chinese American Association of West Covina, presented a $7,500 donation for the Police Explorer program. Mayor Tony Wu matched the contribution with an additional $7,500, producing a $15,000 total for the Explorer program to cover uniforms and competition costs. The transcript records the donor's announcement and the mayor's matching commitment.

Other community recognitions included the Fire Department's Explorer Post achievements, three explorers completing a Wildland Firefighter Academy, and an Eagle Scout project by Matthew Campos to build flag retirement boxes that will be placed at City Hall and fire stations for respectful disposal of worn American flags.

Why this matters: The proclamations are ceremonial recognitions of public-safety personnel and of volunteer and youth programs. The donation and mayoral match provide immediate financial support for the Explorer program and its uniforms and competition expenses.