Milpitas Officer Named Investigator of Year

The California Conference of Arson Investigators named Milpitas Police Officer Eric Emmanuele "Officer of the Year" at their annual conference last month.

Emmanuele was recognized for his efforts leading a joint venture between Milpitas police and fire departments to develop a new, multi-agency arson investigation approach. The effort was so successful that Emmanuele went on to train hundreds around the Bay Area, according to police.

In addition, Emmanuele helped investigate high-profile, Bay Area fires like the PG&E gas line explosion in San Bruno; the Trace Elementary School fire in San Jose and the Paul Zumont arson/homicide in Palo Alto. 

“Eric was given a tremendous opportunity by the City of Milpitas, and he made the most of it. He excelled by taking a collaborative approach within Milpitas and then beyond our borders, to the benefit of the whole region,” stated Milpitas Police Chief Dennis Graham.

“We’re very proud of his accomplishment. Due to reductions in our sworn staff, Eric is back on patrol in Milpitas, where he has already made an impact by personally arresting several residential burglars," Graham said. "The CCAI award is an outstanding honor, and we commend Eric for his drive and dedication that resulted in this achievement.” 

The group, with more than 1,100 members, includes fire and arson investigators from around the state. The conference was March 26 in San Luis Obispo.