Napa Policeman, 25, is Public Safety Officer of the Year

Omar Salem might still be considered a rookie, compared to his colleagues with decades of experience in law enforcement.

But Salem, who’s been a Napa police officer for the past three and half of his 25 years, has been recognized by his peers and the public for his contributions to not only the department but the community as well, especially the younger set: Salem has been named public safety officer of the year by the , a non-profit charitable organization.

“As a police officer, I think it is very important to engage with the community. I want them to think of police officers in a positive way,” Salem said. “This is not to say as a group we don’t deal with negative situations almost daily.”

Although Salem is dedicated to everyone in the community he serves, he has a soft spot in his heart for Napa’s youth.

“Kids are so open minded. They are vibrant and have so much energy, and unfortunately sometimes that energy is directed in the wrong direction,” he said.

Salem believes his age gives him an edge when working with teenagers and young adults.

“I am only 25, not that much older than many of the youths I work with. I can relate to them, and they can relate to me,”he said. “I want to help shape and influence these kids in a positive way and let them know they have choices. I have dealt with some of the same challenges they are trying to cope with now.”

Salem practices what he preaches: He teaches the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE)  program both in Spanish and English in Napa’s elementary and middle schools.

Salem also works with the Napa High School’s Leadership Academy and the LAYLA (Leadership Academy Youth Leaders in Action) group of Napa middle- and high-schoolers, many of whom have gotten to know him as a fellow community member as well as an enforcer of the law.

“We took some 11th and 12th-graders to the Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance,” Salem said. “The students learned we all live in a world built of individuals, all with common goals.”

Salem also organizes an annual basketball game between the city’s police officers and firefighters.

The proceeds go to the city to promote youth programs geared to stopping youth violence, Salem said.

Lisa Batto, Napa Chamber Foundation secretary and chief executive officer of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, believes  Salem fits the criteria required to be honored as public safety officer of the year.

“We are looking for an individual who demonstrates action on and off the job, someone who serves the community beyond the call of duty,” Batto said.

Batto said each public safety agency countywide submits its nominations for the award.

“It was a hard decision to make. But Omar came on top for his dedication to Napa’s youth. He puts an extra effort into the community. He most certainly is a role model for the kids,” she said.

Salem credits his success in handling tense and troublesome situations with his approach to those involved.

“When I go on a call, I know I have to be very calm. It’s all about listening and problem solving,” he said. ‘I don’t just want to arrest someone and be done with it. I want to peacefully end the situation.”

Salem said people seem responsive to his approach.

“The calls I respond to usually are quite emotional. I want to be able to give people chances. They either take or leave them. Sometime I have no choice but to take someone to jail,” he said.

Salem said as with all jobs, being a police officer can have its drawbacks.

“Shift work can be hard. It can also be a very long day when after getting off work, you have to change into a suit and show up in court for one of your cases,” he said, quickly adding, “That’s a small tradeoff for the rewards I get from job.”

He adamantly believes the big payoff for him is the influence he can have on the community.

“I once bumped into a man who in the past I had arrested him time and time again for public intoxication,” Salem said. “When I saw him some time later, he wasn’t the same guy. He told me it was because of me he quit drinking and turned his life around. That really made me proud  of myself and him.”

Salem also credits his strong Muslim faith in tackling his sometimes very difficult job. “My faith makes me calm and strong,” he said.

Napa Police Capt. Jeff Troendly describes Salem as a conscientious, caring and dedicated officer.

“He really is involved in helping the youth. Omar wants to provide a safe environment for them and help them obtain what they want to get out of life,”Troendly said.

“He envisions the youth as positive young people who know what they want in the future, and he is going to help them obtain their goals and be successful in life,” Troendly said.

Salem was born in the East Bay and attended schools in Napa, graduating from New Tech High School in 2004.

His first ambition lead him to the FBI academy. When that didn’t pan out, he enrolled at the police academy at Napa Valley College. He graduated in 2008 and immediately joined the Napa Police force.

Salem, without question, recommends a law enforcement career.

“If you want to give to your community and influence lives in a positive way, this career will not let you down,” he said.  “And there is a great camaraderie among all the officers,” he said.

Salem, along with other honorees countywide, will receive his award at the Napa Chamber Foundation banquet from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 24 at the in Napa.

The public is invited: Tickets cost $55 and may be purchased online at napachamberfoundation.com.