Last week at the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Police Appreciation Luncheon, the Los Alamitos Police Department was proud to announce our 2011 Officer of the Year recipient, Police Officer Kain Gallaugher.
Officer Kain Gallaugher is a Southern California native who grew up in the City of Whittier. After high school, he attended Fullerton Junior College and later transferred to DeVry University where, in 2002, he obtained a degree in Electronic Computer Technology. Kain developed a passion for drag racing, serving as a crew chief on a professional drag racing team for two years. He then became the driver of his own drag racing team, racing professionally for 6 years. Out of those 6 years, he placed 4th once, 2nd four times, and 1st in the division championship. While working in the field of electronics, Kain decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and, in 2004, he enrolled in the Police Academy at Golden West College. After graduating second in his class, Kain was hired by the Los Alamitos Police Department in January 2006.
For the past six years, Officer Gallaugher has proven to be an excellent member of the Police Department’s team. Kain is a Field Training Officer and is currently assigned as the Department’s Motor Officer. He also serves in a variety of ancillary assignments, such as the Mobile Command Post Team, Technology Team, Explorer Post Advisor, and Firearms Training Staff. Kain is an active member of the Peace Officers Association and was recently voted by his peers to be their Vice President.
As a Motor Officer, Kain is the Department’s primary traffic investigator and is a member of the regional Serious Traffic Accident Response (STAR) Team. He has used his technology skills to enhance the Department’s traffic computer programs and has worked hard to improve traffic flow during the City’s major events. Kain works closely with motor officers from neighboring jurisdictions and his selection as a lead training officer is a testament to his abilities and the respect he has garnered in his assignment. Recently, Kain was selected to be the department’s Drug Recognition Expert.
Kain and his wife, Brooke, enjoy raising their 20-month-old son, Trent, and 8-year-old nephew, Camrin. When he is not spending time with his family or pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree, he can be found working around the house, sky diving, and restoring cars.