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On Sunday August 4, 2019, at the graduation ceremony for the Summer Academy, Explorer Collin Hurd from Orange County Sheriff Department was awarded the newly named Officer Matthew Ward Memorial Award for Best Overall Explorer. The presentation was made by Gloria Opstad with Allison Ward, Liam and Anderson Ward, Officer -
On May 10, 2018 Long Beach Police Officer Sondra Ledesma rode in the Police Unity Tour from Somerset, New Jersey to Washington DC in honor of Officer Matt Ward. The primary purpose of the Police Unity Tour is to raise awareness of Law Enforcement officers who have died in the -
This year Matt Ward Memorial scholarships were awarded to two seniors, Brittany Rosete and Aylin Alfaro both interested in criminal justice related careers. Brittany Rosete, a Cypress Explorer was awarded her scholarship at the Cypress High School awards night by District Attorney Investigator, Deanna Hartman and supported by several others -
This year’s Police Unity Tour featured a local team of 8 including 4 riders, Gloria Opstad, Steve Bowles, Julia and Brian Clasby, and 4 in support of the event, Lori Erpelding, Samantha Mathias, Stephanie Smith and David Opstad, representing Cypress, Seal Beach and Garden Grove Police Departments all remembering and -
On March 25, 2019, Gloria Opstad and Detective Rob Ward (Matt’s mom and brother) presented the newly designed Post 1036 guidon flag featuring Officer Matt Ward’s badge, to the Explorers. Explorer Advisor, Officer Deanna Hartman pointed out the new addition. This flag will be displayed at Post events and truly -
In May 2018 two Matt Ward Memorial scholarships were awarded to seniors interested in criminal justice careers. The two winners were both in the Cypress Explorer program.Jose Morales and Joey Gallo were both recognized at their respective senior awards ceremonies. Joey’s mother posted “Joey loved and respected Officer Matt