Downey police officer, firefighter of the year honored

Justin Prentice and Ted Waldrup with their awards Tuesday. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY — The Downey Police and Fire Foundation named Ted Waldrup and Justin Prentice as Firefighter and Police Officer of the year, respectively.

The annual luncheon returned Tuesday to the Rio Hondo Event Center after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Downey Fire Department honoree Waldrup has been a Downey firefighter for 27 years. He is credited with the training of at least 25 new paramedic interns and building several station upgrades.

Fire Chief Dan Hurlock said that Waldrup “consistently sets an example for us to follow.”

“Ted is dedicated to doing the right things, helping others, being on time all the time, being ready to work when he shows up, and taking responsibility for his actions,” said Hurlock. “Ted’s leadership is a little bit different, because Ted doesn’t carry rank. Ted has to rely on his interpersonal skills, his relationships, and his finesse at navigating through those relationships.”

Prentice has been a member of the Downey Police Department since the age of 15, starting as police explorer. After graduating from Downey High School in 1997, Prentice would become a police aide and eventually became a police officer in 2000.

Prentice was elevated to a field training officer and promoted to corporal in 2006. In 2009, Prentice became a gang detective, serving a few years before returning to patrol. He is also a training officer, an advisor, and part of the honor guard.

Over his career, Prentice has developed an expertise in recovering stolen vehicles, having recovered more than 300 and making more than 100 arrests for auto theft. For his efforts, California Highway Patrol has honored Prentice 25 times, including a lifetime 10851 (auto theft reduction) achievement award.

Chief Leslie Murray described Prentice as a “cop’s cop.”

“Over the past year, Justin has been a model employee and a steady influence on patrol,” said Murray. “Personally, I couldn’t ask for a better police officer, friend, and partner in Justin; he’s just that kind of guy.

“Due to the number of employees hired over the past few years, Justin has tenured many of them. His influence in the department, including his willingness to mentor, has been invaluable. He’s a shining example of what a Downey police officer should be, and we couldn’t be more proud of him today for being recognized as Downey Police and Fire Foundation Officer of the Year.”

The Downey Police and Fire Foundation was founded as a result of the 1990 PACE Warehouse shooting. The non-profit has supported and provided assistance for police and fire employees and their families who have found themselves facing unexpected financial hardship or medical needs.

Each year at the organization’s celebratory luncheon, one firefighter and one police officer are honored. Honorees are selected by their peers.