Officer Brian Cortinez named Kent employee of the month after charity golf fundraiser

Mayor Dana Ralph announced that Police Officer Brian Cortinez is the City of Kent's August employee of the month, recounting Cortinez's hiring date (listed in the record as 01/02/2015) and his role organizing a "Battle of the Badges" charity golf tournament at Riverbend Golf Course that raised $56,000.

Chief Thea praised Cortinez's contributions to recruitment and to community problem-solving, noting his placement in the Neighborhood Response Team and crediting him with helping keep the department consistently staffed. "Brian's very deserving," Chief Thea said, affirming Cortinez's leadership and long-term contributions.

Cortinez acknowledged the team effort and highlighted longtime city employee Sarah Halstead, who the transcript records as marking her last day after 28 years and playing a key role organizing National Night Out and supporting the tournament. Cortinez said, "I have been called very verbose in the past," as he thanked colleagues and volunteers who helped run the event.

The mayor and the chief highlighted the tournament's activities (including a helicopter ball drop, mega putt challenge and raffle prizes) and credited Cortinez and his organizing team for raising funds to assist a local partner named in the record (transcript references include "Blue Bridal"/"Blue Bridge" in variations). The city celebrated Cortinez at the meeting and directed applause for his recognition.