Last week at the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce Police Appreciation Luncheon, the Los Alamitos Police Department was proud to announce our 2011 Police Employee of the Year recipient, Police Aide David Jenkins.
David Jenkins was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and grew up in Pittsburgh. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from The Citadel in South Carolina. Dave married his wife, Marilyn, in 1961 and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He and Marilyn have two lovely daughters and five beautiful grandchildren ranging in age from 4 to 23. Ultimately achieving the rank of Captain, Dave served for three years in the United States Air Force as a Base Finance Officer. After his honorable discharge, he spent twelve years in the banking industry, followed by more than twenty years in aerospace where he worked for Hughes Aircraft and McDonnell Douglas. Learning to fly at the age of sixteen, Dave is an accomplished pilot with over 5,000 hours of total flight time. He holds a Commercial Certificate with instrument ratings for both single and multi-engine aircraft. Before retiring, Dave trained flight crews on the MD-80 for Continental Airlines.
Retirement left Dave looking for more ways to serve others, and in 2006, Dave was hired as a part-time Los Alamitos Police Aide, where he is assigned to parking control and can often be found following the street sweeper. He also assists in the Records Bureau by staffing the front counter. His friendly attitude and sociable demeanor create a welcoming environment for those who come to the Police Department. As a Police Aide, Dave dispenses an aura of old-fashion customer service, where his agreeable manner and willingness to help make him an asset to the entire Police Department.