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We Are Fresno: Officer Receives National Award

By Jobin Panicker, KSEE24 News
August 28, 2012 Updated Aug 28, 2012 at 7:05 PM PDT

Detective Richard Escalante isn't the type to take credit. "I" isn't in his vocabulary. Everything is "we." An approach that's needed when you realize what he does. He puts away some of the most violent men and women in the city. Fresno police lieutenant Jose Garza will attest to that work.

"It really shows the commitment we have working with our federal and state partners and reducing the gang violence."

Escalante is being recognized nationally. The U.S. Attorney's office is giving him the 2012 Outstanding Investigator award.

"The violence has got to stop. The shootings have to stop. We're going to come after them with everything we can."

As part of Project Ceasefire and Project Safe Neighborhoods Escalante looks at every gun and ammunition case, and sees where criminals can get the most time.

"He really built some positive bridges among federal agencies and its been a real plus for us."

And because of those bridges he's well respected by the feds, the district attorney's office and his police coworkers.

"The bad guys when they see the federal patches it gets their attention."

His team has produced 64 federal indictments. Men like Shane Stone, a gang member with a lengthy criminal history. He got 10 years for ammunition. Marcus Major got 746 years. And proof that Escalante deals with some nasty people, look what special message Darryl Bradley has.

"The people we're focusing on this isn't their first time they're being arrested."

But it may be the last time you see them. Escalante takes pride taking these men and women off the streets. Sometimes he even meets with these gangsters face to face. A special skill to get the message across.

"Especially if we let their friends know. This may happen to you too. Stop the shooting and don't carry illegal guns and chances are you're not going to encounter us."

Escalante will tell you it's his job. He'll also tell you it's not just him, but a team. But we can tell you, he's an integral part of making your streets safer.

Escalante received his award Monday night in South Lake Tahoe.

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