This document provides an overview of crime in the city of Lompoc in 2023 and highlights the department's outreach efforts and internal activities.
ANNUAL REPORT LOMPOC POLICE
2023
WHERE SERVICE IS TRADITION
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Message from the Chief Department Overview City Government By the Numbers Community Initiatives Promotions & Recognitions Specialties Support Services Thank You for Your Service Operational Grants Communications Plan
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF
Dear Lompoc Community,
As we reflect on 2023, I am filled with immense pride in the strides we, the Lompoc Police Department, have made together with you, our community. This annual report shares our accomplishments, ongoing commitment to community safety, and the significant investments in our infrastructure to serve you better. Community Engagement and Outreach: This past year was remarkable for our community outreach efforts. We successfully hosted several key programs to strengthen the bond between our officers and the community we serve.
Staffing Initiatives: Recognizing the critical importance of staffing, we have continued our work toward increasing our numbers of police officers and dispatchers. Our ongoing recruitment and training programs aim to ensure that our department is fully staffed with highly qualified personnel ready to meet the needs of our growing community. In 2023, the city increased the police department staffing by two officers, taking our numbers from 48 sworn police officers to 50. Capital Improvement Projects: Thanks to the funding from the city, we embarked on several capital improvement projects in 2023, significantly enhancing our operational capabilities: Radio System Replacement- Upgrading our radio system to improve communication effectiveness and response times. Dispatch Center Upgrade and Remodel- Modernizing our dispatch center to enhance our service delivery capabilities. Women's Locker Room Remodel- As reported in last year's annual report, our increased number of female police officers has created a need to remodel and expand their locker room. Taser Upgrade and Replacement- Investing in the latest technology to ensure the safety of both our officers and the community. Body-Worn Cameras- Perhaps our most significant investment, the introduction of body-worn cameras, marks a new era in transparency and accountability in our policing efforts. Community Academy- Our bi-annual academy provided residents with an insider's look at law enforcement operations, fostering greater understanding and trust between the community and the police force. Community Self-Defense Course- We equip our residents with essential self-defense skills, empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones. National Night Out- This event united residents and law enforcement in a festive environment, promoting partnerships and community camaraderie. Chief of Police Kevin M Martin Police Memorial Week Food Truck Fest- A tribute to fallen officers that also served as a communal gathering, strengthening the ties between our department and the people we swear to protect. Coffee with a Cop- These regular meetings offered a relaxed setting for community members to discuss concerns, ask questions, and get to know their local officers.
These improvements underscore our commitment to not only our community's safety but also to our officers' well-being and effectiveness.
As we look forward to 2024, let us continue to build on these achievements, working together to ensure Lompoc remains a safe, vibrant, and thriving community. I am profoundly grateful for your support and partnership as we strive to make Lompoc the best it can be.
Kevin M Martin Chief of Police Lompoc Police Department
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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW POLICE PERSONNEL
Lieutenant Allen Chisholm
Acting Captain Agustin Arias
Chief of Police
Lieutenant
Kevin Martin
Bryan Dillard
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CITY GOVERNMENT
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CITY COUNCIL COUNCIL MEMBERS 2023
Jenelle Osborne MAYOR
Jeremy Ball
Gilda Cordova
Victor Vega
Dirk Starbuck
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CRIMES BY THE NUMBER CITYWIDE CRIME RATE
Homicide 20%
Homicide Kidnapping Assault w/ Deadly Weapon Assault w/ Firearm ADW W/ Great Bodily Inj. Vehicle/ Residence Shooting Battery W/ Great Bodily Inj. Rape Child Molest Felony Domestic Battery Misd. Domestic Battery Misd. Battery Robbery Vehicle Theft Felony Burglary Grand Theft Grand Theft from Vehicle Shoplifting Misd. Burglary Petty Theft Petty Theft from Veh.
4
10
Decrease from 2022
44
19
14 12
Aggravated Assault 10% Decrease from 2022
20 19 18
99
146
156
37
Burglary 5%
281
136
125
Decrease from 2022
3
128
8
186
Robbery 5% Decrease from 2022
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7
BY THE NUMBERS
2023 BY THE NUMBERS
STAFFING OVERVIEW
Funded
Actual
Sworn Officers
48 + 2
43
Dispatchers
9
7
Jail Staff
5
5
Professional Staff
10
9
8
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
9-11 Memorial Ceremonies
Self-Defense Course
Every 15 Minutes
National Night Out
Food Truck Fest
Lompoc Police Foundation Car Show
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Lompoc Christmas Parade
Coffee with a Cop
20 Community Events 2 Self-Defense Classes 1 Community Academy
Community Academy
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School Outreach
PROMOTIONS & RECOGNITIONS
In 2023, the Lompoc Police Department saw the following personnel changes:
01/03/2023 – Promotion – Police Trainee – Brenda Cuevas 01/03/2023 - Promotion – Police Trainee – Ramiro Espinoza 01/08/2023 – Hired – Police Dispatcher – Jennaliz Larin 01/17/2023 – Hired – Community Service Officer – Jeremy Bryon 01/30/2023 – Resigned – Police Officer - Manuel Maldonado 05/08/2023 - Hired – Records Technician – Janell Preble 5/12/2023 – Retired – Police Officer – Jason Flint 6/03/2023 – Promotion – Police Corporal – David Magana 07/03/2023 – Hired – Police Trainee – Arturo Rios 07/03/2023 – Hired – Police Trainee – Jared Scherrer 07/10/2023 – Retired – Police Corporal – Charles Scott 8/12/2023 - Promotion – Lieutenant – Brian Dillard 09/05/2023 – Hired – Police Dispatcher – Alexandra Blankenship 09/08/2023 – Retired – Police Sergeant – Jorge Magana 10/03/2023 – Hired – Police Intern – Jasmin Hernandez 10/23/2023 – Resigned – Police Officer - Isabella Martinez 11/18/2023 – Promotion – Police Sergeant – Henry Strong 11/18/2023 – Promotion – Police Sergeant – Robert Dugan 12/18/2023 – Hired – Police Trainee – Luis Ruiz 12/18/2023 – Hired – Police Trainee – Yobanie Martinez 12/30/2023 – Promotion – Police Corporal – Michael Miller 12/30/2023 – Promotion – Police Corporal – Stephen Pena
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VALOR AWARD The H. Thomas Guerry Award
On Saturday, June 11, 2022, around 3:28 P.M., Sergeant Magana, Detective Renner, and Officer Peralta responded to a disturbance at 210 N. D St. in Lompoc. The situation involved a suspect and his father. Upon arrival, the officers tried to communicate with both individuals. The suspect had a history of being confrontational during previous encounters with law enforcement. The officers attempted to enter the residence to check on the father's well-being, suspecting he might be in distress. Despite their efforts to gain access, the suspect refused to cooperate. They made sure to maintain contact with him while trying to assess the situation inside the house. Eventually, they managed to speak to the victim, who indicated he was not okay. Following this, the suspect abruptly shut the door, and moments later, the victim's cries for help could be heard. Sergeant Magana took swift action, forcibly opening the locked security screen and allowing the officers to enter the home. Inside, they discovered that the suspect had set the victim on fire. Detective Renner and Sergeant Magana acted quickly to extinguish the flames and provide aid to the victim, while Officer Peralta ensured the suspect remained under control until he could be apprehended safely. Thanks to the officers' prompt response, the victim received necessary medical attention. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries later on.
Sergeant JORGE MAGANA, Detective ELIZABETH RENNER, and Officer SERGIO PERALTA Officer KEVIN KROMER ELKS OUTSTANDING Performance Award The Lompoc Police Department has chosen Officer Kevin Kromer to be honored with the Elks Outstanding Performance Award for 2023. Officer Kromer became part of the Lompoc Police Department in December 2020. After completing his police academy training and field program, he demonstrated exceptional job performance. Within the past year, Officer Kromer has apprehended 107 suspects for various offenses, surpassing the next closest officer who has apprehended 81 suspects. Throughout the year, Officer Kromer has received multiple accolades. One commendation came from Supervising Filing District Attorney Ben Ladinig, recognizing Officer Kromer's relentless investigation in a challenging case that led to the successful prosecution of the suspect. Despite managing a heavy call volume during his patrol shift, Officer Kromer remained diligent in his work. Officer Kromer's exceptional dedication and performance have led to new opportunities. In the past year, he was selected to join the Lompoc Police Department SWAT team and became a range instructor. Since his hiring, Officer Kromer has consistently shown commitment to the community, receiving accolades for his professionalism in demanding situations. Additionally, he was praised for his selfless actions when he and another officer found a young child who had gone without food for several days. They provided care, essential services, and most importantly, compassion to the child in need. 12
OFFICERS SAVING LIVES NARCAN / TOURNIQUET / CPR
Naloxone is a medication used to rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Naloxone works by blocking the effects of opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is available in different formulations, the most common being Naloxone Nasal Spray.
In 2023, the Lompoc Police Department trained its personnel in using Narcan and installed Narcan kits in all the police units.
On 01/03/2023, LPD received a call of a male who was seen passing out after reportedly smoking fentanyl. Officers arrived on the scene, began performing CPR, and administered Narcan. The male started breathing again and was transported to the ER. On 08/27/2023, LPD received a call that a male possibly overdosed on fentanyl and was barely breathing. LPD officers arrived on the scene and administered Narcan reviving the male. On 11/18/2023, a male was arrested and booked at the Lompoc Jail. The male was found unresponsive in the jail and personnel administered Narcan reviving the male and he was transported to the ER. On 11/18/2023, LPD received a call of a male possibly overdosed in front of a business. Officers arrived and administered Narcan, reviving the male. He was transported to the ER.
On 04/28/2023 - A gunshot victim was in the detached garage and had several wounds to both her legs and Officers applied two tourniquets.
On 05/12/2023 – LPD received a call about a female who was slumped over in the passenger seat of a vehicle, parked in a local parking lot. Officers arrived and attempted to wake the female but got no response. Officers administered Narcan and the female gasped for air, but she was still unresponsive. Another dose was provided, and she began to wake up.
On 10/09/2023, LPD received a call of a male on the sidewalk not breathing. LPD officers arrived on the scene, administered Narcan, and revived the male.
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STOLEN VEHICLE
RECOVERIES IN 2023
FLOCK – License Plate Readers
The Lompoc Police Department has established a partnership with the Santa Barbara County Housing Authority, incorporating 38 License Plate Readers in and around Housing Authority Properties. Since August 2023, the department has successfully retrieved 23 stolen vehicles and license plates. Thanks to these alerts, 12 offenders have been apprehended, and more than 3 ounces of methamphetamine have been confiscated. This collaboration allows for the sharing and monitoring of over 207 FLOCK cameras belonging to various California Law Enforcement agencies.
28.3 grams Meth
Paraphernalia
63+ grams Meth
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SPECIALTIES
The LPD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responds to hostage situations, barricade incidents, high-risk search warrant services, or threats of suicide. The team is comprised of investigators, dispatchers, and police officers. The Lompoc Police CNT works and trains with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) CNT.
The LPD SWAT team is called upon to respond for service when an incident rises above the capacity of the patrol division.
Special Weapons And Tactics
Crisis Negotiations Team
Members participate on the team as collateral duty, in addition to their full-time assignments within the police department. SWAT maintains a wide array of equipment to allow its members to accomplish their mission safely. An armored vehicle and remotely operated camera devices allow SWAT to operate in and search many areas without exposing themselves to gunfire. Members of the team are equipped with rifles, shotguns, gas masks, ballistic helmets, and vests. They also employ a variety of less- lethal devices and chemical agents to reduce the need to use lethal force during an encounter
SWAT STATS:
CNT STATS:
TRAINING HOURS: DEPLOYMENTS: TRAINED MEMBERS:
144
TRAINING HOURS: DEPLOYMENTS: TRAINED MEMBERS:
40
4
5
12
6
K9S:
2
Members of the S.W.A.T. and C.N.T. teams are expected to be available and on-call on short notice, dedicate a significant amount of personal time to training, and strive for continuous improvement in the performance of their mission – Saving Lives.
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SPECIALTIES The Lompoc Police Department’s K9 Unit entered 2023 as one of the most successful K9 units in the county. I am proud to say they have continued that success throughout this year. The K9 unit continued their twice-a-month training with Mission Cannie LLC. Ted Bowman is still the lead K9 trainer for our training group. Mr. Bowman is always willing to adapt his training to serve the needs and concerns of each K9. Our K9 unit trains with the Santa Maria and Santa Barbara Police Departments. Training is held in various training locations.
K9 Brahms
K9 Oz
K9 Officer Garza and his partner Brahms entered their fifth full year as partners. The duo completed 188 hours of patrol-related training and 93 hours of narcotics training this
K9 Officer Justice and his partner Oz went into their first full year together. They completed over 187 hours of patrol-related training, and 50 hours
of firearm detection training. They completed their California Narcotic Canine Association (CNCA) patrol procedures certification in August of 2023.
year. Brahms was certified in narcotics detection by the California Narcotic Canine Association (CNCA) in March of 2023. He was later certified in CNCA patrol procedures in June of 2023.
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SPECIALTIES
The Lompoc Police Department’s Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) program has three certified pilots, Officer Andreasen, Officer Gaddis, and Officer Jones. Officer Ramirez is in the process of obtaining his UAS pilot’s license, until then he is assisting the other pilots. The program’s primary drone is the new Aute EVOII which was purchased in November 2021 through a generous donation by One805. This drone has several different capabilities such as livestream, thermal vision, and FLIR technology. We have also added 4D mapping capabilities to our UAS program through another generous donation by One805. In 2023 The UAS Pilots conducted 30 Flights for a total of 11 hours and 42 minutes of flight time.
Drone Operations
SWAT Overwatch Operations 4D Mapping Search & Rescue Missions Riverbed Homeless Accident & Crime Scene Reconstruction DRONE USES:
School Resource Officer
School Resource Officer Pena has been an integral part of Lompoc High School since January 2022, serving as the School Resource Officer (SRO). In his role, SRO Pena actively engages with students and staff within the Lompoc Unified School District (LUSD). He maintains regular communication through weekly meetings with campus administration, providing updates on any student arrests, investigations, or citations that occur during school-related activities. Additionally, Officer Pena contributes to the School Attendance Review Board for Lompoc High School, educating students on their rights and responsibilities in interactions with law enforcement. SRO Pena supports staff in addressing disciplinary matters that involve criminal violations as determined by LHS administrators. Furthermore, he conducts non-emergency investigations, participates in LHS events and functions, and aids in organizing initiatives such as the "Every 15 Minutes" program. 17
SPECIALTIES
The Lompoc Police Department’s Detective Bureau is staffed by a Sergeant, Corporal, and detectives. Each detective has assignments ranging from property crimes, crimes against women, and crimes against children. The detective bureau monitors and tracks all sex registrants in the city. The detective bureau is also part of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigating online cybercrimes. The bureau responds to all major incidents that occur within the city.
Detective Bureau
The Lompoc Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) is comprised of one supervising corporal and two detectives. This unit responds and assists the detective bureau with all major incidents. It is an intelligence-gathering unit responsible for maintaining expertise in street crime trends and analyzing the information to develop special investigative techniques
Special Investigations Unit
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SUPPORT SERVICES
The Lompoc Police Department is a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). We have one supervisor and eight full- time dispatchers. Dispatch staff provides 24-hour coverage, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The center is staffed primarily by two dispatchers at a time, sharing the responsibility for the following: Answering 911, and administrative calls
Dispatch Center
Dispatching police, fire, and medical personnel Handling after-hour vehicle release and utilities Female dispatchers search female inmates when brought into the jail when there is no female officer/jailer working
911 calls 23%
Total Calls for 2023: 82,474
The Lompoc Jail operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The jail is staffed with one supervisor and four jailers, with one primary jailer on duty. Each time a community member is arrested, they are brought to the facility by an officer to begin a booking process. The on-duty
Lompoc Jail
Admin Calls 77%
Juvenile Males 4%
Juvenile Females 3%
jailer is then responsible for completing the appropriate booking paperwork to include a livescan fingerprinting, conducting a search of the individual, and providing dietary needs for the inmate. In 2023, the Lompoc Jail met all requirements and had no deficiencies through the following facility inspections: Grand Jury Inspection SB County Environmental Inspection SB County Public Health Nurses Inspection SB Public Health Nutritional Evaluation
Adult Females 24%
Adult Males 69%
Total Bookings for 2023: 1,032
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SUPPORT SERVICES
Records Department
The Records Section has one supervisor, two part- time front desk employees, and four Police Records Technicians. Professional staff operate the Records Management System and provide data entry and maintenance of the California Department of Justice and National Crime
Information Center systems. The Records Section also handles public records requests, provides customer service to the public, and supports law enforcement personnel throughout the department. In 2023, all records personnel have been trained in CPR. We welcomed Jasmin Hernandez to the Police Records Section as a Police Intern. Jasmin came to us from our Police Explorer Program. Part-time CSO Mary Terrones retired from her full-time job after a long career with them and is back at our front desk. PRT. Candace Justice and Kamille Rouleau received PRA training. Mrs. Justice, Mrs. Rouleau, and Miss. Cardenas all received an additional 290 training. Mrs. Justice and Mrs. Rouleau also attended Social Media training at Grover Beach PD. Our Police Records Section is currently fully staffed.
1916
2000
1773
1427
1500
1100
1000
896
871
863
500
223
179
0
During 2023, we had one community service officer. This is a two-person position that shares the responsibility for processing routine non-emergency crime reports, providing traffic and/or crowd control, taking custody and control of property and evidence, and locating and processing abandoned vehicles within the city. During 2023, our Community Service Officer took a wide variety of crime reports and responded to many calls for service, as well as dealing with parking problems.
Community Services Officer
Parking Citations
572
1579
Events
Police Reports
12,015
397
Vehicles Towed
0
2000
4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000
SUPPORT SERVICES
The Lompoc Police Department currently has 14 police volunteers. These volunteers are non-sworn community members who volunteer to assist the police department in a variety of ways. We have three Volunteer Police Chaplains who serve a vital role in helping the community and police. Police volunteers also serve in roles as: Bicycle inspections and licensing Searching for missing persons Assisting with traffic & crowd control Assisting with community events Range management During 2023, the police volunteers logged in over 516 volunteer hours for the community.
Volunteer Unit
The Lompoc Police Department currently has 16 Explorers, with 12 graduating from the Explorer Academy in 2023. The Explorers engage in law enforcement training every other Tuesday and physical fitness training every other Saturday.
Police Explorers
The Explorers are supervised by a mix of officers and non-sworn personnel, including:
Sgt. Scott Morgan Sgt. Henry Strong Officer Timothy Xiong
These dedicated Explorers volunteer at various community events, such as:
Detective Gabriel Molina Detective Elizabeth Renner Officer Alex Justice Police Records Tech Candace Justice Dispatcher Alondra Martinez Police Intern Jasmin Hernandez
Flower Festival Parade Christmas Parade LPD Foundation Car Show and LPOA Car Cruise Toys for Tots Annual Fly-In
Food Truck Festival Iron Man Triathlon Old Town Markets
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
SERGEANT JORGE MAGANA – 09/17/1996 – 09/08/2023 Sergeant Jorge Magana embarked on his journey with the Lompoc Police Department as a Police Reserve Officer on 09/17/1996 after graduating from the Allan Hancock College Reserve Police Academy on 12/19/1995. He was later promoted to Police Officer Trainee on 08/02/1997 and successfully completed the Allan Hancock College Police Academy on 12/13/1997. Upon finishing the academy, he was promoted to Police Officer. On 12/25/2004, Jorge advanced to Police Corporal, and on 08/22/2015, he was promoted to Police Sergeant. Throughout his tenure, Jorge served in patrol, detectives, and the community services section. Jorge Magana retired from the department to take up a position as an instructor at the Allan Hancock College Police Academy. CORPORAL CHARLES SCOTT – 12/15/2012 – 07/10/2023 Corporal Charles Scott began his law enforcement career as a Reserve Police Officer with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department on 04/05/1999. He continued his career with the Chowchilla Police Department as a Reserve Police Officer in 01/24/2005, where he became a Police Officer on 04/27/2006. He came to the City of Lompoc and continued his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Lompoc Police Department on 12/15/2012 when he was promoted to the rank of corporal on 02/20/2016. Corporal Scott retired from the police department to pursue his calling with the Church. OFFICER JASON FLINT – 07/09/2005 – 05/12/2023 Officer Jason Flint came to the Lompoc Police Department after serving with the United States Marine Corps and completing the Allan Hancock Police Academy. Officer Jason Flint started his career with the Lompoc Police Department on 07/09/2005.Officer Flint obtained his advanced POST certificate on 09/04/2017. Officer Flint was selected and served as one of the department’s Field Training Officers and trained many new officers. Officer Flint retired from the department on May 12, 2023.
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OPERATIONAL GRANTS
Grants
Amounts Received
One 805 (Forensic Tool, Drone Program, & Taser Training)
$21,884.00
BSCC Wellness Grant
$28,785.39
Byrne JAG
$20,593.00
BVP Bullet Proof Vest
$7,120.41
CAL OES Branch (Equipment)
$303,000.00
State COPS Grant
$160,000.00
OTS STEP Grant
$50,000.00
STC Jail Training
$6,996.00
TOTAL:
$603,138.00
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COMMUNICATIONS PLAN
Our website is an essential tool for engagement and transparency. Through the website, we also provide media releases, our complete policy manual, and ways to contact us. We continue to grow our outreach through the main website and other social media outlets. The social media outlets also allow us to communicate directly with the public we serve.
Powered through LogicTreeIT since 2015, we frequently use our app to send out press releases to provide information to the public through media. The information ranges from significant arrests, or incidents, to asking the public for help in investigations. Users can report an abandoned vehicle, or report graffiti sites. Additionally, the app is geared to allow anonymous, non-emergency tips that are delivered straight to our dispatch center.
We invite you to scan the QR code to link & download the Lompoc PD App.
APP DOWNLOADS: 21,748 TIPS SENT IN: 1,325
We have more than 6.5k people who follow us on Facebook. We use the platform to share information about investigations, public safety, arrests, community meetings and projects the Lompoc Police Department is working on.
We use Instagram to share information with our followers about arrests, recruitment and hiring, upcoming community events, and other day-to-day activities happening at the Lompoc Police Department.
Our Twitter is used to notify our followers of road closures, natural disasters, and other events impacting the community.
Nixle is a Community Information Service that assists with relevant information from your local public safety departments & schools. Members of the community wanting to subscribe, can text their zip code to 88777.
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2023
WHERE SERVICE IS TRADITION
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