After 25 years of dedicated service to Woodland, the City Council recognized Deputy Chief Anthony Cucchi and his distinguished career in public service for the Police Department.
Woodland Mayor Victoria Fernandez read Cucchi's certificate of appreciation during the council's meeting Tuesday evening, detailing his many roles in the police department starting with his role as a patrol officer in 1998.
"In August 2000, he was selected as a school resource officer and impacted students' lives over the next three years until he returned to patrol as a field training officer," Fernandez highlighted. "In September 2001, he was selected as a special weapons and tactics team member, and in 2005, he became the SWAT assistant team leader."
During his time in this role, she emphasized that Cucchi was part of the arrest team that searched, located and arrested the murderer of Yolo County Sherrif's Deputy Tony Diaz.
"In July 2006, he was promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the patrol division," she continued. "In March 2009, he was selected as the professional standards sergeant and was in charge of recruiting, hiring, administrative tasks and internal affairs."
He was then promoted to lieutenant in December 2010 and was assigned to the investigations bureau.
"He was assigned to the patrol bureau and became the SWAT team commander in 2015," Fernandez stressed. "In 2019, he was promoted to deputy chief of police and oversaw the daily operations of the entire police department."
Cucchi is also a United States Army combat veteran and served as a military police officer during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and in Bosnia from 1990 to 1997.
"One thing I find really interesting about this city is the relationships that we have with the other departments," Cucchi said after receiving his award. "I never had that relationship back in Boston."
"I just watched the New York PD and fire department hockey game on T.V. the other day, which was a massive brawl," he continued. "And that's usually the relationship that I would see between police and fire back home."
He went on to thank the city, his police department and family for the help they've provided him throughout his career.
Councilman Tom Stallard noted that Cucchi has "always been a favorite at the Stallard house."
"As you know, Mrs. Stallard was on the school board when you first started as a school resource officer and she was really impressed with the job you were doing with the kids there," he emphasized. "I think all of the officers deserve a lot of credit for the character of this department, but you certainly did your share in your time here. Thank you so much, Anthony."
Councilwoman Tania Garcia-Cadena also thanked Cucchi and explained that she also met him when he was a school resource officer.
"I worked for Yolo Connections, a nonprofit, and I know that you made a difference in a lot of young people's lives," she recounted.
"And, when I was elected to the council, my youngest had a conversation with you at a meeting at the park," she highlighted. "She was really struck by the fact that you took the time to answer her questions. You showed that you took her seriously and I think a lot of young people don't feel like they're being taken seriously, so I appreciate that and I appreciate all that you've done."
Former Daily Democrat Editor Jim Smith left a public comment that expressed his pleasure to work with Cucchi and Lieutenant Tom Davis, who was also honored for 25 years of service.
"Both acted professionally and with integrity whenever there was reason to call on them for information regarding news stories, feature stories or other issues of interest, both public and private," Smith said. "I hope to see them from time to time as they move into another chapter of their lives."
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