Jackson Bell
A string of promotions have resulted in a change to the public face
of the Burbank Police Department for the second time this year. Sgt.
Brian Matthews, the department's public information officer, was
reassigned Tuesday as a watch commander, and Sgt. Jay Jette took over
Matthews' duties. Jette's main task will be conveying information,
such as crime details, to reporters.
Jette, 45, said he embraces the challenge of strengthen- ing
communication between the police department, the community and
reporters.
"This definitely gives me a new outlook on police work," the
23-year veteran said. "My career tenure has been spent in enforcement
rather than dealing in-depth with the community."
Matthews said he is comfortable handing over his position to a
seasoned officer who has a firm understanding of police work.
"Jay is not just an experienced police officer, but a very
experienced sergeant," he said. "He has been working in a supervisory
position for a long time."
Jette joined the force as a patrol officer in 1981 and became a
field training officer for new recruits before working a seven-year
stint as a narcotics investigator. After a promotion to sergeant, he
spent three years back in patrol before assuming his latest position
as head of gang detail.
In addition, Jette was awarded the medal of valor in 1987 for
rescuing an elderly woman from an apartment fire. He is also a former
amateur boxer.
Matthews, although not officially promoted, will step up as watch
commander during the day shift on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
He will fill in for Lt. Pat Lynch, who is on a special assignment.
"I'm hoping this will lead me to an eventual promotion into the
position of lieutenant," he said. "But this is a temporary position,
and if [Lynch] comes back from special assignment, I will be reverted
back to sergeant."
Lt. William Berry, Matthews' predecessor as PIO, was promoted
after Lt. Chris Welker retired May 1.
Other promotions included Brian Llewellyn to sergeant in charge of
the Juvenile Bureau Division -- which Matthews also ran while
doubling as the department's spokesman.
In addition, Greg Campbell was promoted to detective. Campbell is
still recovering from injuries received during a Nov. 15 gun battle
with alleged gang members that resulted in the death of Officer
Matthew Pavelka.
Brenda Casteneda also took the title of senior animal control
officer.
