Police Chief Rob Sharpnack praised yet another “bright spot” in the department’s rebuilding efforts as he introduced two promising new officers and one new reserve officer in a swearing-in and badge-pinning ceremony Monday morning July 11.
The two officers were much-coveted lateral hires, bringing in valuable experience and leadership to a growing police department.
Kristofer Moore comes to Costa Mesa via the San Bernardino Sheriff Department and Denny Bak moved from the Fullerton Police Department. In addition, the chief announced the addition of Reserve Officer Cory Estes, who comes by way of the Los Angeles Police Department, where he is currently a field training officer.
Chief Sharpnack said he was especially proud of the new, young and enthusiastic talent that makes up a big portion of the Costa Mesa police force and the success of the department’s training programs.
“Throughout the county, a number of executives and law enforcement leaders have talked about the excellence and energy this agency has shown,” Sharpnack said, referring to the department’s success in enforcing high-profile criminal cases. “We are at the tip of the spear when it comes to technology and advanced training.”
City CEO Tom Hatch, Mayor Steve Mensinger and Councilwoman Katrina Foley also attended the ceremony and personally welcomed the new officers aboard.
“There are a lot of people here who have worked hard to make this a great organization,” Hatch told the officers. “We are the best police department in Orange County.”
Bak grew up in Laguna Beach and attended UCI, where he graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He attended the Rio Hondo Police Academy in 2008 and was hired by the Irivine Police Department in 2009. In 2010, he was recognized as Auto Theft Officer of the Year. In 2011 and 2012, Bak earned MADD awards for DUI enforcement along with the MADD Hero Award in 2012.
In 2013, Bak joined the Fullerton Police Department, serving as a patrol officer and field training officer. He is also Drug Recognition Expert and Firearms Instructor and helps prepare new recruits for the police academy. Bak also earned MADD awards there as well in 2013 and 2015.
Moore has been with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since 2014 and attended the department’s basic academy, where he graduated top of the class. He was assigned to the custodial environment at West Valley Detention Center. Over the past two years, Moore has been exposed to a variety of custody assignments and training opportunities.
A state champion and All American swimmer in high school and college, Moore served as an ocean lifeguard for the city of San Clemente from 2006 to 2014, where he was awarded both the Unsung Hero and the Lifeguard of the Year awards.
Estes was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department in 2008 and attended that department’s basic academy. Over the past several years, Estes has been assigned to the Hollywood Division, West Traffic, and Harbor Division. He has worked collaterally in plain clothes-undercover, bike patrol and special enforcement assignments. Currently, he serves as a Field Training Officer in the Harbor Division.
Estes grew up in Long Beach and attended UCI, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social behavior.
After having badges pinned on them by family members, the three officers were sworn in by Costa Mesa City Clerk Brenda Green. See video below:
