Ruby Ortiz was born and raised in Santa Ana, California. She graduated from Santa Ana High School and earned an Associates degree from Santa Ana College, and a Bachelors degree from California State Fullerton University, both in Criminal Justice. Ruby began her career with Santa Ana Police Department in 2002 as a Police Cadet, and in 2005 she began with Tustin Police Department as a Police Services Officer. She is currently assigned to the Professional Standards Division as a Police Services Officer assigned to Community Relations. Ruby enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and maintaining a high level of physical fitness.

Ruby truly is an unsung hero at the police department. If there is a person who really works hand and hand with the community, our partners next door, the business community and local non-profit groups…. it is Ruby. Ruby is very popular in the community and has a large network established as a result of her Neighborhood Watch efforts. She is also very active in our schools and is well known with the kids in the South end of the City. Her ability to interact with the kids plants a strong and positive impression with the youth in the community.

Earlier this year, a teenage boy was murdered in front of his apartment in the southwest portion of the City. This murder created a tremendous sense of fear throughout the neighborhood where the young man lived. Ruby played a key role in planning and participating in a community rally which unified the neighborhood. As a result of this rally, the neighborhood now has a large and active Neighborhood Watch program which Ruby leads.

Last month, three children were accosted by a local transient as they walked to school. This crime caused several of the parents and students to be fearful of continued crimes. Once again, Ruby planned and participated in a meeting with concerned parents, students and school faculty. This meeting helped to ease the fears of all who were concerned.

Currently, Ruby is coordinating our “Santa Cop” program which donates toys and clothing to over 140 needy children throughout our community. These children come from low income homes or are confined to Tustin Hospital with brain injuries. Because of Ruby’s efforts and dedication, these children are truly experiencing the joys of the holiday season.

Throughout the course of the year, Ruby also is responsible for a multitude of events. Ruby is integral to all of our Sub-stations for a Day, Town Hall meetings and the National Night Out (NNO) event. All of these events require a great deal of logistics and planning. In particular, the NNO event requires Ruby to coordinate with in-house personnel, representatives from the District, vendors and non-profit groups. This year’s event was the largest yet and was a success with the community. Ruby has submitted our event for a National Award and I believe based on her hard work, planning and leadership, we have a very good chance at receiving the award. Ruby embodies the Community Governance philosophy and for these reasons and many more, we are proud to recognize her with the Chamber of Commerce Officer of the Month Award.