The Los Alamitos City Council awarded two police officers for saving a woman’s life Monday at the Council’s first meeting in 2023, as they also recognized a former school resource officer who is retiring and another with 39 years of service.
Mayor Tanya Doby invited Los Alamitos Police Chief Michael Claborn to recognize the officers who saved the life of a 92-year-old resident.
Regarding the lifesaving award, Chief Claborn gave the Council and the public a quick summary of what happened.
“On July 5 of 2022, at 4:48 a.m., representatives of the Los Alamitos Police Department, Corporal Nestor Rodriguez and Officer Augustin Delgado, were dispatched to assist a 92-year-old female (Beatrice Najera) who was choking.
“Upon arrival, officers met with another female, later identified as Helen Najera, her daughter,” said Claborn.
“The daughter, who is a part-time caretaker of Beatrice. Helen explained to officers that her mother was choking and could not breathe,” he said. The officers observed Beatrice on the floor of the residence, purple and unresponsive, the police chief said.
“Based on Helen’s statements and their observations, Officer Delgado picked Beatrice up from the ground and began administering the Heimlich maneuver,” he said.
Eventually, he said, Beatrice’s airway appeared to clear, and Corporal Rodriguez did a sweep of features.
“Beatrice regained her normal color and became cognizant and responsive,” said Claborn.
Medical units from the Orange County Fire Authority arrived shortly thereafter and transported Mrs. Najera to the hospital for observation.
“Corporal Rodriguez and Officer Delgado arrived in a chaotic scene, with a visibly shaken reporting party, and an unresponsive person. They maintained composure, quickly assessed the situation, and took direct life-saving measures,” the police chief said.
“For that, we would like to present them with this award,” said Claborn, presenting Rodriguez and Delgado with their life-saving awards.
Also on Monday, the Council issued a proclamation recognizing Officer David Dorran’s service to the department.
Chief Claborn and the Council also honored former school resource officer Dave Dorran for his 31 years of service to the city.
Dorran attended Long Beach City College and transferred to the University of Redlands where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Officer Dorran received his master’s degree from California State Long Beach in 1976. He taught and coached football in high school and coached at a community college in the San Gabriel Valley for 20 years. And in 1986, he became the Dean of Students at Los Alamitos High School, responsible for attendance and discipline. In 1992, assistant principal in charge of Student Services Officer Dorran graduated from Orange County Sheriff’s reserve Academy in May of 97.
He worked as a reserve officer in a small community in Kern County for two years. He then became the technical reserve for the Los Angeles, Los Alamitos Police Department in 1992. Eventually, Officer Dorran’s status with the Department changed when he became a sworn reserve officer. He fulfilled his obligation to the reserve program by working extra assignments and community events.
It’s a long standing relationship as a liaison between the police department and the educational community, which fosters direct communication and networking to solve problems.
As a direct result, Dave represented the police department during a board meeting with stakeholders from the police department, the Los Alamitos Unified School District and respect to students and their families.
He was selected as police Employees of the Year in 2003 and 2006. He has earned the respect of Police Department personnel and his consistent demonstration of professionalism, selfless attitude and his commitment to this department will be missed. David’s wife Bonnie love to travel. They have two children and two grandchildren. We wish them all the best as he embarks on the next chapter of being fully retired.
Josiah Doby, who attended school where Dorran was once posted, stepped up to call the retiring officer fierce, fair and friendly.
“He shaped my opinion on what police officers should be and what a man stands for,” said Doby. “I salute you as a friend.” Reserve Officer Harry Whited was also recognized for 39 years of service.
