West Hollywood honored its public safety partners Tuesday at the City’s annual Public Safety Awards & Luncheon, recognizing members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the City’s Neighborhood & Business Safety Division, and the West Hollywood Security Ambassadors.
West Hollywood Public Safety Commissioners were recognized at the opening of the ceremony. Mayor John Heilman greeted attendees before the awards were presented. Councilmember Lauren Meister also addressed the gathering, expressing support for expanding the City’s public safety presence.
The ceremony took place at 11:30 a.m. at City Hall, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd. City Manager Jackie Rocco opened the event.
“Today, we get to celebrate and recognize the individuals dedicating their lives to the safety and security of our community,” Rocco said.
“The City of West Hollywood is fortunate to have an incredible team of first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, security ambassadors, and community safety professionals who work tirelessly each day to keep us safe,” she said.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
The LASD West Hollywood Station responded to more than 20,000 calls for service in 2025. The City’s law enforcement partnership with the Sheriff’s Department dates to West Hollywood’s incorporation in 1984.
West Hollywood Sheriff’s Captain Fanny Lapkin said recipients are chosen by anonymous vote among station personnel. “This is basically a tribute to how your peers view you,” Lapkin said.
Jaycob Kelce and Christopher Chung each received Deputy of the Year. Kelce joined the department in 2015 and has been assigned to West Hollywood since 2019. He has served as a field training officer since 2024.
Chung has been assigned to the West Hollywood Station since 2019. Lapkin said Chung is her go-to for problem-solving and works directly with the station’s foundation on behalf of deputies.
Detective Jose Morales received Detective of the Year. Morales has been assigned to the West Hollywood Station since 2019.
Patricia “Frenchie Smets received Volunteer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Smets was also recognized by fellow volunteers across the sheriff’s department in a separate peer vote.
Lapkin said Smets has served as a mentor to young deputies and created a wellness space in the back of the station — a quiet area with a waterfall where personnel can step away and decompress.
Los Angeles County Fire Department
LA County Fire responded to more than 7,500 calls for service in West Hollywood in 2025. Fire prevention personnel averaged approximately 35 inspections and 25 plan checks per month.
Assistant Division Fire Chief Drew Smith presented awards to Fire Station 7, Fire Station 8, and the West Hollywood Fire Prevention Unit.
“These men and women choose to work in West Hollywood for a reason,” Smith said. “We love this city.”
West Hollywood Security Ambassadors
Security Ambassadors responded to more than 7,300 calls for service in 2025. Allied Universal General Manager Valerie Chavez presented the awards.
Security Ambassador Luis Gomez was recognized for his response to a fire at Plummer Park basketball courts in February 2026. Working alongside park staff, Gomez helped extinguish the fire. Other award recipients include Cesar Carrillo, Jonathan Dominguez and Ruben Rodriguez.
Neighborhood & Business Safety Division
The City’s Neighborhood & Business Safety Division received more than 7,200 requests for service in 2025. The division operates seven days a week and enforces the West Hollywood Municipal Code.
The entire division was invited to accept the award collectively.
“Each of our recipients has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, skill, and dedication to their profession, and it is our privilege to recognize their achievements,” Rocco said.
“Your dedication makes this city a safer and better place for all,” she said.
Resident Stephanie Harker attended the luncheon. “It was well planned by the City’s public safety staff,” Harker said. “The food was very good.“
Full list of winners here:
Luis Gomez-Vasquez, Security Ambassador, Allied Universal
Cesar Carrillo, Security Ambassador, Allied Universal
Jonathan Dominguez, Security Ambassador, Allied Universal
Ruben Rodriguez, Senior Safety Officer, Ambassador Allied Universal
DEPUTY OF THE YEAR – Jaycob Kelsey – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
DEPUTY OF THE YEAR – Christopher Chung– Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR –Jose Morales – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Professional Staff Member of the Year – Custody Assistant Alexander Spieler- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Volunteer of the Year – Patricia Smets- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Team Member of the Year – Luis Berrios- Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Los Angeles County Fire Department Fire Station 7, 8, and West Hollywood Area Unit of the Los Angeles County Fire Prevention Division
