Harbor Police Department Receives Grant from San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation

Monday, 20 July 2009
Contact: Marguerite Elicone (619) 686-6281

The San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation, a non-profit corporation that provides financial support to county-wide law enforcement agencies, has awarded the Harbor Police Department a grant to buy special equipment.

The award is for $3,780.  The money will go toward the purchase of hands-free light-emitting diode (LED) flashlights.  LED flashlights use less energy and generally last longer than flashlights with traditional bulbs. The flashlights clip onto an officer’s clothing, allowing them to have both hands free while conducting traffic stops and enforcement operations.

Lifesaving Efforts Recognized by Port Commisioners

Tuesday, 07 July 2009

Six people, including three Harbor Police Officers, two Navy personnel and a retired physician, were recognized by the Board of Port Commissioners July 7 for their roles in helping to save the lives of two people.

“Their performance reflects the values of the Harbor Police and the Port of San Diego in ensuring a secure environment for the public,” said Harbor Police Chief Kirk Sanfilippo during a presentation at the Board meeting. Each honoree received life-saving commendations, and the Harbor Police Sergeant and two officers received life-saving “shirt bars” to wear on their uniforms.

Harbor Police Sergeant Honored for Rescuing Man From Burning Truck

Wednesday, 03 June 2009

A veteran Harbor Police Sergeant was recently recognized by the Burn Institute for his fast action to remove a driver from a burning truck.  Sgt. Salvador Colin, a 23-year veteran of the Harbor Police, received the Exceptional Service Award on May 21 at the organization's 36th Annual Spirit of Courage Awards ceremony.

The rescue took place on November 30, 2008. Colin had just finished his beat as a night watch commander around 1 a.m. when he heard tires squeal and watched as the driver lost control of his speeding vehicle. The truck struck a traffic light in the median of 28th Street and Harbor Drive, rolled over several times and landed on its passenger side with the engine on fire.

Harbor Police to Begin Enforcement of Oversize Vehicle Ordinance

Saturday, 23 May 2009
Contact: Lt. John Forsythe, 619-686-6595

Beginning Memorial Day Weekend, the San Diego Harbor Police Department announced they will begin enforcing section 8.09 of the San Diego Unified Port District Code. This ordinance was enacted in February of this year and regulates the parking of oversize vehicles on Shelter Island along with overnight parking of any vehicle on Shelter Island Drive.

Harbor Police Officers Assist in Navy Helicopter Crash Search, Recovery

Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Contact: John Gilmore, (619) 686-7206, Barbara Moreno (619) 686-6216

Officers with the Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department were among the first responders following the crash of a U.S. Navy helicopter in the ocean near the Coronado Islands late Tuesday night. Three bodies were recovered from the water and the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy searched throughout the day Wednesday for two others who were onboard at the time of the crash.

"We received the call about 11:56 p.m. Tuesday night of a Navy helicopter down about 14 miles southwest of San Diego near the Coronado Islands," said Lt. Bill Kellerman. "We sent two of our combination fire patrol boats and one of our fast boats to the scene."