Masonic Wisdom Lodge Recognizes Pasadena Police Officer and Firefighter for Service Beyond the Call of Duty

On September 9, 2015, the Pasadena Masonic Wisdom Lodge #202 will honor Pasadena Police Detective Monica Cuellar and Pasadena Firefighter Oscar Sepulveda for their distinguished service to our country “Beyond the Call of Duty’. This event is Wisdom Lodge’s 14th year recognizing the noteworthy contributions of Pasadena’s first responders. It started in 2002, following the horrific events of 9/11, when two members from the Pasadena Fire Department responded to New York and assisted at Ground Zero. The recognition was later expanded to include the Pasadena Police and Fire, the Los Angeles County Sheriff, and any public servant who has demonstrated exemplary commitment to the community.

Honoree Pasadena Police Corporal Monica Cuellar was hired in 1992 and excelled as an officer and investigator. She was assigned to the Special Enforcement Section where she worked at combating gangs and street narcotics. In 1999, Monica was promoted to Corporal and assigned to the Event Planning Unit for five years and several years in the Youth and Family Services Unit as a Sexual Assault Investigator, primarily addressing crimes against children. She is currently a member of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)) Task Force. On a day-to-day basis Corporal Cuellar authors search warrants, court orders to apprehend dangerous fugitives, and utilizes technology to garner critical evidence. Her efforts have led to the conviction of numerous child and adult sexual predators. Cpl Cuellar is relentless in her investigations to pursuing justice for the most vulnerable and often exploited victims in our community.

Honoree Firefighter/Paramedic Oscar Sepulveda III volunteered to accept a special assignment to work as the Assistant Accreditation Manager assigned to Administration. After 18 months of hard work, the Pasadena Fire Department received international accreditation in September 2015. Oscar demonstrated exceptional process and analytical skills well beyond his position and have a discerning approach to problem solving and project management. He was recently named the Pasadena Fire Department Employee of the Year.

Honorable Judge Lance A. Ito will be the keynote speaker this year discussing the subject of, “Since its adoption 228 years ago, how is the U.S. Constitution relevant and applicable today?”

Detective Monica Cuellar and Firefighter Oscar Sepulveda serve the Pasadena community with honor and they are well deserving of the service award “Beyond the Call of Duty.”