Officer Grace Del Bagno Named Coronado’s Employee of the Year

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Coronado Police officers participate in community engagement activities, enhancing relationships with local youth.

News Summary

Officer Grace Del Bagno of the Coronado Police Department has been recognized as the City of Coronado’s Employee of the Year for her impactful community engagement initiatives. With nearly eight years of service, she has led several programs promoting safety and inclusivity, including the revitalization of the GREAT curriculum and the Shop With A Cop program. Her dedication extends beyond policing, having created programs addressing critical youth issues such as bullying and mental health. Del Bagno’s contributions exemplify a profound commitment to enhancing community relations and youth safety.

Coronado, California – Officer Grace Del Bagno has been named the City of Coronado’s 2023 Employee of the Year for her significant contributions to community engagement as a member of the Coronado Police Department. Del Bagno’s nearly eight years of service distinguishes her role in initiating and supporting various community programs aimed at promoting safety and inclusivity.

In her tenure as an officer, Del Bagno has been pivotal in rewriting and teaching the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) curriculum, which educates youth about the dangers of gangs and drug use. This effort is part of her broader commitment to active community involvement, evidenced by her leadership in the widely-recognized Shop With A Cop program, which pairs law enforcement officers with children from disadvantaged backgrounds during the holiday season.

Del Bagno has also excelled as a School Resource Officer for nearly six years, where she created the Crown City Safety Ambassadors program. This initiative tackles critical issues such as bullying, social media safety, and mental health among students, educating them on how to navigate these challenges responsibly. Her dedication to fostering a secure environment for children has had a lasting impact on the youth in the community.

Beyond her law enforcement responsibilities, Officer Del Bagno is affectionately known as the “singing cop.” She showcases her vocal talent by performing the national anthem at various local events, including Padres games and memorial ceremonies. This adds another dimension to her role, as she actively engages with the community not just in a professional capacity but also as a community member.

Del Bagno is also involved in a myriad of community activities. She organizes fundraisers and has even gained attention for her unique rescue operation of a goat trapped in a locked car, which exemplifies her commitment to uplifting her community through daily actions and engagement.

While Del Bagno receives accolades for her community efforts, the Coronado Police Department itself is also undergoing notable changes. Recently, Paul Connelly was sworn in as the new Chief of Police on December 9, 2024. Connelly brings nearly 28 years of experience with the San Diego Police Department, where he reached the rank of Deputy Chief. His track record includes significant leadership roles, as well as service in the Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Captain. Chief Connelly aims to maintain high standards of ethics and professionalism within the department and to effectively support his officers.

In addition to personnel changes, the Coronado Police Officers Association (CPOA) has initiated a restoration project for a historical 1952 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe patrol car that served the department in the 1950s and ’60s. Acquired in December 2024, the project is in its early stages and is expected to cost an estimated $10,000 for complete restoration. Volunteers from the police department, including 911 Dispatcher Stacy Orchulli and Police Services Officer Jose Sandoval, are dedicated to bringing this classic vehicle back to its former glory.

Once restored, the vintage patrol car will be utilized during community events, such as parades and public safety open houses. These events aim to educate residents about the history and evolution of the Coronado Police Department, fostering a stronger community-police relationship.

As Coronado moves forward with both community engagement initiatives led by Officer Grace Del Bagno and the leadership of Chief Paul Connelly, the commitment to serve and uplift the community remains a central focus for the Coronado Police Department.