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Police detective, dispatcher receive top year-end recognitions
Eric Fredgren, Betsy Jones honored for extra efforts to keep city safe

by Janet Pelletier

Detective Eric Fredgren's tireless work to clear criminal cases and dispatcher Betsy Jones' penchant for a strong work ethic have earned them top honors from the Pleasanton Police Department.

Fredgren, who joined the department in 1997 after being an officer in Redwood City, has been named Officer of the Year. He is credited with clearing a large amount of criminal cases, including 27 vandalism cases in the early part of the year. His work helped the department achieve a high Part 1 crime clearance rate (Part 1 crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and arson.)

Fredgren has been assigned as the department's Crimes Against Persons detective for 2010 and will serve as a primary liaison with the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. A three-year member of the department's Criminal Investigations Unit, Fredgren has also held positions such as a patrol officer, motorcycle traffic officer and field training officer.

Professional Employee of the Year was awarded to dispatcher Betsy Jones. Jones joined the department in 1990 and has been trained as a tactical dispatcher to provide assistance during SWAT call outs.

Jones is credited with having a strong work ethic, loyalty and a willingness to help wherever it is needed, even if it means starting a shift in the middle of the night. Jones often volunteers in department and Pleasanton Police Officers Association events.