Los Alamitos Police Sergeant Sharon Kerbow was recognized by the Crime Survivors advocacy group April 23, 2010, during their Annual Awards Banquet. Sergeant Kerbow’s nomination reads in part:
“Although customer service is a priority for all employees in Los Alamitos, no one takes it more seriously than Sergeant Sharon Kerbow. Recently completing a rotation in the Detective Bureau, Sergeant Kerbow is back in patrol where she takes compassion to another level. It isn’t just one case than earns her that reputation; it is a list too numerous to name. Whether she is comforting a victim who suffered a violent crime, protecting a witness to a homicide, or investigating a case in which a charity was the victim of fraud, Sharon proudly wears her heart on her sleeve.
Although each case is different, Sgt. Kerbow has been known to act as an advocate for young crime victims and a friend to older victims. From the onset, she makes each case personal, as if the victim were a family member or friend. Her concern for them is genuine and she frequently extends herself beyond her workday by providing her personal cell phone number or reaching into her own pocket to feed a hungry stranger. She’ll stop by to check on victims from previous crimes and ensure that they have the resources they need. She establishes a rapport with troubled youth and, as a result, was called to Los Angeles in the middle of the night because a teen, contemplating suicide, would only speak to her.
Using her wit and charisma, Sharon teaches women’s safety, teen/dating safety, Skills and Assets for Excellence (SAFE) program to fifth graders, and domestic violence prevention classes. She is as passionate about helping people protect themselves as she is about offering reassurance if someone becomes a victim.
As a mentor and instructor for new officers at the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center, Sharon teaches the interpersonal skills that have become the icon of her career.
Only those who have suffered as a victim of a violent crime can truly appreciate the value of those words of encouragement and the merits of Sgt. Kerbow’s service to this community. On a daily basis, Sgt. Sharon Kerbow epitomizes compassionate victim assistance in the law enforcement profession.”
Sgt. Kerbow began her law enforcement career with the Los Alamitos Police Department in 1994. Prior to becoming a Police Officer, she was a teacher with the Westminster School District. Having already earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and her Masters in Counseling, she completed the Fullerton Police Academy in 1993, launching her career in law enforcement.
Beginning as a patrol officer, Sharon quickly established a connection with community members and earned the reputation of being a compassionate advocate for crime victims. She was promoted to sergeant in 2000 and assigned to the Detective Bureau in 2007, where she managed the three-person bureau.
In January 2010, Sharon returned to patrol, where she is a Watch Commander. She volunteers at the Precious Life Shelter and serves on the Casa Youth Shelter Board of Directors.
Chief Todd Mattern and the Los Alamitos Police Department are very proud of Sgt. Kerbow and joins Crime Survivors in saying; “Thanks for Going Above and Beyond to Empower Victims of Crime”
For more information about the work of Crime Survivors, please visit their website, CrimeSurvivors.