Congressman Announces Contra Costa Public Safety Heroes For 2022

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, on Sunday named Martinez police Sgt. Zach Lekse and Crockett-Carquinez fire Capt. John Angell as his 2022 Contra Costa County Public Safety Heroes.

Each year, Thompson honors first responders in his district who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

According to a statement from Thompson's office, during a suspicious vehicle stop in early 2019, Lekse discovered a small amount of methamphetamine. The driver told him of a mid-level dealer living and operating near the Martinez Police Department.

Noting that the dealer was on probation, Lekse coordinated a search resulting in the seizure of a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, and $5,000 in cash.

During his ensuing investigation, Lekse found a connection between the suspect and the Guzman family cartel of Mexico, Thompson's office said. Over several months, Lekse worked with the FBI to lead a massive multi-agency effort that led to the seizure of numerous firearms, approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, $23,000 in cash and $80,000 of assets.

Last summer, Angell was on his way to a mutual aid cover assignment when he saw someone standing near the edge of the Carquinez Bridge. He realized the person was possibly contemplating suicide and contacted dispatch for a California Highway Patrol unit.

After making the call, Angell realized there may not be enough time to wait and approached the person on his own. Angell spoke to the person, comforted them, and talked them away from the edge. When authorities arrived, he returned to his original call.

"Sergeant Lekse and Captain Angell are exemplary public safety officers, and their stories are representative of the incredible work our law enforcement officers do on a regular basis," Thompson said in a statement. "Congratulations to them both on this well-deserved recognition."

Here is the full list of the 2022 Public Safety Heroes for Thompson's congressional district, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.

• Capt. John Angell, Crockett-Carquinez Fire Department
• Sgt. Zach Lekse, Martinez Police Department
• Cory Smith, Lake County Fire
• Officer Juan Altamirano, Lakeport Police Department
• Rodger Collinson, Napa Fire Department
• Deputy Brian Ringo, Napa County Sheriff’s Office
• Deputy Joseph Schiavoni, Napa County Sheriff’s Office
• Detective Rory Logan, Benicia Police Department
• Robert O’Connor, Solano County Paramedic
• Kristy and Bob Brindley, Just1Mike Foundation
• Officer Westin Schindler, Santa Rosa Police Department
• Sgt. Terry White and Officers Jason Jucutan, Jeff Badger, Dane Schindler and Brett Wright of the Santa Rosa Police Department Special Enforcement Team

"Our first responders play an essential role in keeping our communities safe and saving lives," Thompson said. "Every year, it is a great honor to be able to recognize some of our public safety heroes from our district for their incredible work on behalf of our communities."

— Bay City News Service contributed to this report.