LOCAL SCHOOL, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT LEADERS HONORED AT NEW HEROES CELEBRATION

Presented by Santa MoniCARES, annual event includes special awards given by the SMMUSD Superintendent, Police Chief, and Fire Chief

SANTA MONICA, CA (October 22, 2026) – Last evening,Santa MoniCARES presented the New Heroes Celebration, a special community event to honor new hires and seasoned leaders within local public and private schools, the Santa Monica Police Department and the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Hosted at Sandbourne Santa Monica, the New Heroes Celebration is a free public event held each year to recognize the people working to educate, inspire and protect the Santa Monica community. This year’s event kicked off with an address by host Misti Kerns, President & CEO of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT).

“Our beloved beachside community would not be what it is without the tireless dedication of our police and fire departments, as well as the local schools,” said Kerns. “We thank all who work day in and day out to keep our city thriving.”

New hires to Santa Monica private schools and local public elementary, middle, and high schools were honored by their respective leaders, along with Antonio Shelton, Superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).

Superintendent Shelton presented the Inspirational Hero Award to Dr. Susan Samarge-Powell, Director of Child Development Services. The Inspirational Hero Award recognizes an employee of the SMMUSD whose exceptional devotion and empathy inspires those around them to strive for excellence and improvement every day.

Dr. Samarge-Powell’s work creates a foundation for children to learn, grow and thrive during their formative years. Her dedicated public service reflects the compassion, commitment and leadership this award was designed to celebrate.

New hires to the Police Department and Fire Department were recognized by Deputy Police Chief William Heric and Fire Chief Matthew Hallock, respectively. Deputy Police Chief Heric presented the Rick Crocker Award to Officer Alex Bullock. The Rick Crocker Award recognizes dedication, compassion, leadership and an unwavering commitment to making the Santa Monica community a better place.

Officer Bullock currently serves in the Youth and Family Services Unit within the Criminal Investigations Division, where he is assigned as a School Resource Officer and Police Activities League Officer. Officer Bullock is committed to serving others through mentorship and coaching, helping young people develop character and recognize their own potential.

The Fire Department’s Dominic Smith Award was presented to Ruben Flores, Fire Engineer. The Dominic Smith Award honors the spirit of service, dedication and commitment that defines Santa Monica’s firefighting community.

Ruben Flores goes above and beyond his daily responsibilities as Fire Engineer, serving as a longtime lead instructor for aerial apparatus operations, leading the ladder maintenance and refurbishment program on Truck 1 and taking opportunities to share his knowledge with newer firefighters and recruits.

The awards ceremony concluded with raffle prizes donated by local businesses. Lucky attendees won items including a gift card to Ubatuba Acai on Main Street and a special Santa Monica Travel & Tourism gift basket.

The award ceremony was followed by a reception with light bites and refreshments, as well as exhibitors from local nonprofits, City departments, community groups and local businesses.

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and Santa MoniCARES extend sincere thanks to this year’s New Heroes Celebration sponsors whose support made this event possible:

Sandbourne Santa Monica: Presenting Sponsor
Visit Sandbourne Santa Monica, a stylish coastal retreat featuring thoughtful design, ocean-view dining, relaxing poolside experiences and access to the beach and Santa Monica Pier.

Warner Bros. Discovery

Pacific Park
Pacific Park proudly supports New Heroes and celebrates the dedicated educators, first responders and community leaders who inspire, protect and strengthen Santa Monica every day.

Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce: Promotional Partner

To learn more about Santa MoniCARES, visit santamonicares.org/new-heroes/

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About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism

Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email [email protected], or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).