HomeCity Government NewsSan Marino Police Adds Two Officers to the Team

San Marino Police Adds Two Officers to the Team

San Marino City Clerk Veronica Ruiz, right, administers the oath of office to new San Marino Police employees Therisa Haddix, Oleg Zhivaga and Kevyn Yamada. Kev Kurdoghlian Photo
San Marino City Clerk Veronica Ruiz, right, administers the oath of office to new San Marino Police employees Therisa Haddix, Oleg Zhivaga and Kevyn Yamada. Kev Kurdoghlian Photo

The San Marino Police Department has three new employees. Police Officers Kevyn H. Yamada and Oleg Zhivaga, and Police Dispatcher Therisa Haddix took the oath of office during the city council meeting on May 11.

Police Chief John Incontro, the San Marino City Council and community gave the the trio a very warm welcome.

Therisa Haddix grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. Her father is a captain in the Los Angeles Fire Department and her uncle is a police officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. She said that her family ties to law enforcement partly influenced her decision to pick a career in the same field.

“I have recently decided to further my education and acquire a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice,” Haddix said. In her spare time, she enjoys being active with her two children and living a healthy lifestyle.

Kevyn Yamada, a Torrance native, studied criminal justice at California State University, Long Beach. He decided to pursue a career in law enforcement after completing an internship with an agency in Los Angeles County. Yamada sponsored himself through Golden West Police Academy in Huntington Beach.

“I am very excited to be in a city where the residents fully support the police department,” Yamada said. “It is important to build a positive working relationship with the residents of San Marino because it will improve communication that will help continue making San Marino one of the safest cities in the nation.”

Yamada had his badge pinned on by his mother, Jan Yamada.

Oleg Zhivaga resides in Palos Verdes with his wife and two kids. He was born in Russia and immigrated to the United States in 1995. He studied Chinese at Far Eastern State University in Russia and speaks Mandarin fluently.

With the swearing in ceremony, Zhivaga accomplished his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer.

“He is thankful to this country and this station for accepting him as a part of this multicultural family,” said Chief Incontro of Zhivaga.

Zhivaga had his badge pinned on by Chief Incontro.

With Officers Yamada and Zhivaga, SMPD has one police officer vacancy remaining. Chief Incontro reported that his staff is “actively and aggressive” recruiting to fill the position.

He added that civilian recruit, Joseph Jacoy, will start the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Academy in June.

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