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Harbor Police Corporal Mike Rich Named Officer of the Year

Thursday, 05 March 2009

Harbor Police Corporal Mike Rich is selected as the 2009 Harbor Police Officer of the Year. Corporal Rich was chosen from the 145 officers in the organization.
He has served for 22 years and since 2004 has been assigned to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Marine Task Force.

A noteworthy accomplishment by Corporal Rich occurred in July, 2008, and resulted in the largest maritime marijuana seizure in San Diego County.

Corporal Rich received confidential information that a 48-foot vessel carrying narcotics was heading from Mexico to San Diego. When the vessel attempted to clear U.S. Customs, Corporal Rich discovered 203 bales of marijuana hidden in a specially designed compartment. So far, this arrest has resulted in three of the defendants pleading guilty in federal court.

Corporal Rich has served as a department firearms instructor, Harbor Police boat operator, field training officer and dive and rifle team member. He is the chairman for the Area Maritime Law Enforcement Sub Committee.

He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, has received a San Diego Harbor Police Life Saving Award and has obtained a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer certification.

The Harbor Police Department is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego.