HONORING SAFETY'S 'FIRST LINE'.

Byline: Phillip W. Browne Staff Writer

Dedicating their careers to making the San Fernando Valley's streets safer, five officers and a civilian employee in the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division were honored Wednesday with ``Officer of the Year'' awards.

With 39 percent of the city's 7,300 miles of streets, the Valley long has been known as Los Angeles' worst region for traffic enforcement. The long, wide thoroughfares present some of the toughest challenges for patrol officers, who were proud to be recognized for their efforts.

``It is an honor to have been selected by my supervisors for this award,'' said Officer Robert Baltera, who is responsible for working traffic complaints and organizing crime and traffic task forces.

``We are doing a lot of enforcement, and if anyone is speeding or running red lights, we will catch up with them.''

Sponsored by the Valley Traffic Advisory Council, the awards were presented during a luncheon at the Airtel Plaza Hotel in Van Nuys. In addition to Baltera, this year's recipients were Sgt. David Ferry; Officers Robert Crupi, Nancy O'Brien and Steve Schiltz; and clerk-typist Yvette Martin-Spates.

``It's great to be here,'' Ferry said. ``It's definitely an honor.''

So far this year, 63 people have been killed in traffic-related incidents, while only 53 people have been killed in homicides. The Valley is the only region in the city where more people die in traffic than from homicides.

``Each of the people selected for these awards have made a total commitment to helping save lives by promoting traffic safety through education and enforcement,'' said Capt. Greg Meyer, who supervises the Valley Traffic Division.

``We're pleased that they were selected out of nearly 200 officers in the division, and we're happy that VTAC has chosen to give them this recognition.''

Ed Cholakian, president of the Valley Traffic Advisory Council, said group members have nothing but support for the officers who toil to keep the streets safe.

``We are intent on getting people to think before they run a red light or speed,'' Cholakian said. ``These offices are our first line of defense in accomplishing that.''

Phillip W. Browne, [phone]

phillip.browne(at)dailynews.com

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The Valley Traffic Advisory Council on Wednesday honored officers and civilian employees of the LAPD for their work in keeping Valley streets safe. Honorees Yvette Martin-Spates, Sgt. David Ferry, Officer Robert Crupi and Officer Robert Baltera, front row from left, show off their plaques at a reception Wednesday. In back row, from left, are Capt. Greg Meyer, Deputy Chief Ronald Bergmann and Ed Cholakian, president of the advisory council.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer