“The accolade is a huge honor for me and the SDCCD Police Department[BROKEN LINK]. It is incredible to be named amongst top law enforcement agencies and to have our department as the one to be recognized,” said Officer Diaz. “This is for all of us. My job can only be done with my partners.”
Officer Diaz was awarded on Wednesday, July 5, during the 29th annual Law Enforcement Recognition Night event. Officers from several San Diego regional law enforcement agencies including the San Diego Sheriff's Department and San Diego Police Department, California Highway Patrol, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and the San Diego Harbor Police Department gathered at the Scottish Rite Valley of San Diego. Each agency nominated one officer to be recognized as their Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. More than 250 guests and dignitaries, including San Diego area city mayors, county supervisors, and city council members were in attendance.
The SDCCD Police Department nominated Officer Diaz for his exceptional professionalism and innate leadership qualities. Diaz was given a plaque commemorating his achievement and the SDCCD Police Department was awarded the annual trophy, which will be displayed at the district’s police headquarters.
“This means a great deal to me, as well as the district. Officers across the region are showing appreciation for Officer Diaz’ hallmark commitment to his community,” said Lieutenant Kenneth Nelson of the SDCCD Police Department. “Each of our officers go above and beyond. The district should be very proud.”
Diaz joined the SDCCD Police Department in 2018 and was promoted to detective in 2022.
During the past six months Officer Diaz administered Narcan on three occasions, successfully reviving individuals who may have otherwise succumbed to drug overdoses. As a Field Training Officer, Diaz has been entrusted to mentor the district’s newest officers as they adapt to their careers, exposing them to a diverse range of real-world scenarios. He served as a member of the Bike Team in 2022 as well as an instructor in both the Firearms Training Unit and Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program, which teaches self-defense techniques.
In addition to protecting SDCCD campuses and surrounding communities, Officer Diaz annually volunteers for the Special Olympics Torch Relay, Shop with a Cop, and assumes the role of Santa Claus during the district’s winter Adopt a Child Development Center event, where he distributes gifts to children whose parents study or work at SDCCD colleges.
“Officer Diaz’ selection as the Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year among all officers from all San Diego county agencies reflects not only great personal credit toward him, but also brings credit to the SDCCD Police Department and the district as a whole,” stated Joel Peterson, SDCCD Vice Chancellor of Operations, Enterprise Services, and Facilities.
Before beginning a career in law enforcement with the SDCCD, Officer Diaz served in the United States Marines Corps for eight years. He was stationed at Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton and at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he was a drill instructor. After his military service, he taught antiterrorism training for the district’s military education division.
“It is pretty amazing to have worked at the district as an instructor and to come back as an officer,” said Diaz. “I love giving back and helping others. I really want our community to feel safe with law enforcement.”