Phoenix Police Employees Honored For Service To Community

From the City of Phoenix:

Posted February 18, 2020

On February 18, 2020, the Phoenix Police Foundation hosted their 3rd Annual Women in Blue Luncheon, honoring women who work in law enforcement. During the luncheon, three Phoenix Police employees were recognized for their service to the City. The three women are Assistant Chief Sandra Renteria, Officer Lisa Fisher and Zachia Villanueva, a communication supervisor.

Assistant Chief Sandra Renteria was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She has been on the police department for over 30 years and rose through the ranks as the first Hispanic female to be promoted into sergeant, lieutenant, commander and assistant chief positions on the department. Over her career, she has worked in many different assignments, including field training and undercover assignments. Chief Renteria is currently serving as the assistant chief over the southern patrol division. During her career she has inspired many of her coworkers to promote and excel in their careers, always being there to offer advice and support.

“As you progress through your career and you look back, it is not about the rank you achieve, it is not about the accolades that you get, it is really about the people you impact along the way,” said Commander Dennis Orender. “I think if you look back over her career, she positively impacted a lot of people.”

This summer Chief Renteria is retiring, and she has said that she believes she will miss being a part of something bigger than herself.

Watch Chief Renteria's award video: https://youtu.be/R0OhFFu6ns4.

Officer Lisa Fisher was honored with the Elevating Woman in Law Enforcement Award. Officer Fisher has worked for the City of Phoenix since 2007 and is currently assigned to the canine unit. She is one of 17 canine handlers, the only female, and she is part of the SWAT dog program.

“When you look at Lisa Fisher, her dog, her abilities, her confidence, her competence and what she does, you are just filled with tremendous pride,” said Assistant Chief Mary Roberts.

Watch Officer Fisher's award video: https://youtu.be/PybgMsf63wc.

Last but not least, Ms. Zachia Villanueva, a supervisor in the Communications Bureau was honored with the Community Advocate Award. She has worked in the Communications Bureau for 21 years, starting her career as a 911 operator.

Not only is Ms. Villanueva serving her community while she is at work, but she is also ver y involved with Ronald McDonald House Charities. She started volunteering in 2009, donating her time to clean rooms and facilities between families using them. Since then, she has become a board member for the charity.

“Zachia is one of the volunteers that is just unbelievably amazing. She is kind, she is supportive, she is engaged, she is committed and dedicated to our families, and there isn’t anything that you would ask of here that she wouldn’t do,” said Kerry Schulman, CEO of RMHC Central & Northern Arizona.

Watch Ms. Villanueva's award video: https://youtu.be/fQqj6OtxKJ0.

Also during the ceremony, the foundation also honored two young ladies from Charley's Heroes with the Police Advocate Award. Learn more about them in their award video: https://youtu.be/dkjKEX1IKhA.

The Phoenix Police Foundation’s mission is not only to recognize employees like these amazing three women, but also to fund technology needs for the department and to provide financial assistance to employees and their families in crisis situations. To learn more about the way they support the police department, please visit heir website: https://www.phxpolicefoundation.org/.

This press release was produced by the City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author’s own.