Kiwanis’ top cop credits ‘humble warriors’ for his success

CONCORD, CA (Jan. 19, 2022) — Officer Dylan Luciano recognized mentors early on within the Concord Police Department’s ranks after coming on board as a community service officer (CSO) with Parking Services in 2015.

With their guidance, he has honed a variety of skills worthy of the Kiwanis’ 2021 Police Officer of the Year honor.

“You are scared when you are thrust into the job,” said Luciano. “But having someone there who you are able to talk to has really helped.”

The 26-year-old’s introduction to law enforcement was instilled early on by his father, Rick, a retired sergeant with the California High Patrol. The elder’s advice was two-fold: “A career in law enforcement is a privilege; always treat it that way. Also, to have fun,” the younger Luciano recalled.

Luciano was sworn-in in November 2018 after graduating from the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Training Center’s 186th Basic Academy in Pittsburg. Prior to official hire as an officer, his duties in Parking Services were complemented by time working on the Community Service Desk and with the jail for three years.

“The people I saw, the officers, are smart, humble warriors,” said Luciano, which made it clear to him that this was the department he wanted to join.

‘Passion for police work’

In his nomination statement to the Kiwanis Club, Provisional Lt. Robert Garcia noted Luciano’s “passion for police work and a commitment to bettering the community he serves.”

This has its roots from serving six years as a Police Explorer for the San Ramon Police Department.

As a sworn member of Concord PD, Luciano has become one of the department’s most active and productive patrol officers on the street. He is currently a member of the Crisis Negotiation Team, a backup jailer, a drug recognition expert, a member of the Recruitment Committee and a backup crime scene investigator, stated Garcia.

Lt. Greg Rodriguez, the weekend-night watch commander, recognized the honoree’s versatility and work ethic.

“Officer Luciano is a constant producer and always willing to help out. Officer Luciano is young in his career, but his impact on our agency and community will be long lasting,” Rodriguez said.

Effective communicator

Another strength identified was serving as lead on the department’s Social Media Team.

“Luciano has helped elevate the organization’s social media presence with his contributions behind and in front of the camera,” said Garcia. “He makes certain to message to the audience the devotion and commitment that Concord officers have to their community on a daily basis, all while wrapping it in a fun, interesting and inclusive package.”

As a younger officer, Luciano sees this skill set as enabling him to know the current trends and how to connect with the younger generation in the community.

“Officer Luciano has the ability to effectively communicate with everyone from citizens, suspects, co-workers and everyone in between,’’ Rodriquez said.

Quick actions pay off

In February 2021, following a broadcast of a firefighter being shot in Antioch and Antioch officers losing sight of the suspect vehicle on the freeway, Luciano took a position on I-680. Some minutes later, Luciano observed the suspect vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and he broadcast the information. Air units and allied agencies pursued the vehicle. The driver was ultimately taken into custody and found to be a suspect in a homicide that had just occurred in East County.

Eight months later, Luciano was listening to his scanner while at work and heard a Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office broadcast that a shooting had just occurred in Bay Point. Thinking quickly, Luciano broadcast the information to Concord officers, who soon picked up the vehicle. After a pursuit, the suspect was captured.

“I can’t do this job alone,’’ said Luciano. “The part I play is small in the puzzle. I am only successful because of my partners who I work with and being with an agency that supports its officers.”

When not on his normal patrol shift, Luciano will work special details with the Community Impact Unit. There, he helps address quality of life issues throughout the city and connects homeless subjects with services from the Coordinated Outreach Referral and Engagement (CORE) team.

Luciano says he provides the same level of service no matter the situation.

“I am firm but fair with everyone,” he said. “At the end of the day, we do (this job) with respect and dignity.”