Officers Behind the Scenes Recognized during Law & Order Night

Fire Captain Nathan Bordofsky was honored at Law and Order Night. His family joined him for the dinner and award ceremony.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

For first responders, police and firefighters, every time they go to work, there’s a chance they won’t be coming home. They do the job; many exceeding expectations and requirements. They seek no recognition other than a job well done, a person helped, the community secure. Unlike the Oscars where all involved with films are recognized, no one gives “a job-well done” recognition to those who are the backbone of keeping the community safe.

The Law-and-Order program held annually by the American Legion gives recognition to first responders.  Across the country, the American Legions recognize their local heroes.

This year, a program was June 23 at the Ronald Reagan Legion Post 283. Catering for the dinner was done by James Kwon of the Garden Café.

Emcee and former Legion Commander Scott Wagenseller explained the Legion was founded 1919 in France, after World War I. Its vision was not only to support vets, but also to support youth, Americanism and national security.

“We recognize those who are still on the front line,” Wagenseller said. The program addresses one of the Legion’s pillars, National Security. “That’s why we’re here tonight.”

“We’re here to recognize those who have distinguished themselves, and those who have served above and beyond,” Wagenseller said.

(Left to right) District 24 Commander and Palisades resident Kevin Niles, Councilmember Traci Park, Firefighter/paramedic Nathan Bordofsky, emcee and past commander Scott Wagenseller and Station 69 Captain Thomas Kitahata smile as Bordofsky holds his awards.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

He introduced Councilmember Traci Park, who spoke briefly. She thanked the members of the Post, (the legion hall remained standing after the fire), for a place for people to gather and a place for them to receive resources such as from SBA, Red Cross and meals while visiting their destroyed homes.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of West L.A. Police Department Sergeant Shiou Deng who was killed this morning,” Park said. Deng had stopped to help the driver of a disabled pickup truck around 2 a.m. A grey sedan crashed into Deng and the driver, killing them both.

A moment of silence was observed. Then as Park looked at the honorees she said, “It is an honor for me to stand here with you.”

Captain Nathan Bordofsky was honored as Station 69’s fire fighter of the year. He received a surprise when his wife, son, and parents walked in shortly before the ceremony started. He had not realized they were coming, and their unexpected attendance was orchestrated by members of 69.

Station 69 Captain Thomas Kitahata spoke about Bordofsky, who had been on the force 25 years. Prior to that he worked as a hot shot. “His experience really helped us through the fire,” Kitahata said, calling him a friend, and a great officer. “He is cool-headed under pressure and does things with a calm confidence. During the fire, he worked nonstop for two weeks and was able to help save some neighborhoods.”

Kitahata also presented the two honorees from Fire Station 23: Jeffery Bader and Thomas Oberto.

About Bader, who is a firefighter/paramedic he said, “He played a critical role, providing advanced medical care to all who needed it.” Bader, who has 25 years of service with the Fire Department is the father of two teenaged children.

Before the program started, Bader told CTN that he was off duty the day of the fire, but drove down and arrived around 3:30 p.m. “I stayed for the next six days,” he said.

Firefighter Thomas Oberto receives his award from Kevin Niles (left) and Scott Wagenseller (right).
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

Oberto, who has 35 years with the department, was in the hospital with heart mitral valve repair when the fire started. “He has the deepest respect of the community and his peers,” Kitahata said. “He is known for his excellent character and teamwork and sound decisions in high-stake emergencies.”

The West Los Angeles Officer of the Year was Jose Bermudez visit:  https://www.circlingthenews.com/palisades-loss-is-west-l-a-s-gain/ ‎ He was one of the leads on the Beach Detail, before being promoted to Senior Lead Officer in the Sawtelle area. He was not at the event because of Sgt. Deng’s death, which shook West LA. “A LAPD tribute read: Sgt. Deng wasn’t just a colleague—he was a friend, a brother, and a light in our lives. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Mike Kresl was named SM’s firefighter of the year.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

The Santa Monica Fire Department recognized firefighter Mike Kresl, who was called “Fast, effective, steadfast and determined in serving the community. He was one of the first dispatched to Pacific Palisades and worked nine consecutive days.” Kresl was also recognized for ensuring the equipment was tested and ready and for mentoring others. “He’s all about training every day.”

The Santa Monica Police Department recognized Eric Perez and Colleen Marconet as their officers of the year.

Officer Eric Perez was all smiles when receiving his award.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT

Perez, who works the graveyard shift, was cited for his steady leadership and outstanding demeanor. Born and raised in Santa Monica, he started his enforcement career in the explorer program (2003-2009). He worked with the Culver City police department with drones, DUI’s and drag racing, and received the medal of valor for saving a person from a burning building. He came back to the SM Police Department in 2023. “We celebrate Eric, the father of two, not only for his service record, but for his outstanding character,” the presenter said.

“She makes people feel safe and heard,” was noted about Colleen Marconet, who came to law enforcement after raising two daughters and with her husband worked a martial arts studio for 16 years. A long-distance runner and a specialist in Brazilian jujitsu, Marconet was cited for her unwavering dedication, a spirit of selflessness and “her quiet strength uplists us all.”

In closing the ceremony, Wagenseller acknowledged the honorees and said, “It’s not often you hear the praise and support you should.”

Emcee Scott Wagenseller congratulated Santa Monica Police Officer Colleen Marconet.
Photo: RICH SCHMITT