Two veteran Salinas Police Sergeants; Mark Babione (34 years) and Rick Soratos (29 years) are slated to retire after lengthy, dedicated careers with the Salinas Police Department. Their final briefing is scheduled to take place at the City Rotunda Building, 200 Lincoln Avenue on June 26, 2014 at 7:30 am. The public and media are invited to attend.
Sergeant Mark Babione was hired by the Salinas Police Department on September 15, 1980. He worked as a patrol officer 8 years before becoming a Motor Officer assigned to the Traffic Unit of the Salinas Police Department 1988. Mark was a Motor Officer for 5 years. During that time he was an acting supervisor where he planned and supervised special events; Air Show, Rodeo, D.U.I. check points. Mark was instrumental in creating and implementing tri-county law enforcement motorcycle training. Mark formulated the departments Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Program. He was an instructor for the First Offender D.U.I. Program and a Traffic Safety Instructor at Hartnell College. Mark was a Hostage Negotiation Team Negotiator and a member of the Salinas Police Department Bike Patrol Unit for almost 20 years.
Mark worked as a School Resource Officer, a DARE (Drug Alcohol Resistance and Education) Instructor. Mark became an acting Detective and worked in the Investigations Division. In 1998 Mark was promoted to the Salinas Police Department Criminalist, assigned to supervise the Crime Scene Investigation unit. Mark supervised 12 members of the CSI, 2 civilians, 1 Fingerprint technician, 1 Firearms examiner and a part time ballistics technician. Mark was a CSI instructor at Hartnell College and the local Police Academies for several years and was a Salinas Police Department Range Master.
In 2009 Mark was promoted to Sergeant. Mark worked in Patrol, supervised HNT, Range Master and was Deputy Platoon Commander of Mobile Field Force second platoon. Mark obtained his Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento. He minored in Communications Studies. Mark served as President of the Salinas Police Activities League (PAL), board member, coach, fund raiser and volunteer. He was a board member of Children's Services Incorporated and a volunteer with the Women's Crisis Pregnancy Center, El Grito Festival and Salinas International Airshow. Mark is also active in his church. After 34 dedicated years with the Salinas Police Department Marks' official retirement date is June 29, 2014.
Sergeant Richard 'Rick” Soratoswas hired by the Salinas Police Department on April 15, 1985. He worked as a patrol officer 8 years before becoming a temporary Corporal in 1992. Rick served as the Executive Director of the Salinas Police Activities League (PAL) for 4 years and was a California PAL Board member for 2 years. Rick has received 2 Monterey County Peace Officer Awards of Merit. Rick worked as a School Resource Officer, a G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education And Training) Instructor and was a Co-host on the Salinas Police Department television show 'Police Line.” Rick has been a member of the Salinas Police Department Bike Patrol Unit for over 10 years.
Rick was promoted to Detective and worked for 2 years in the Investigations Division. Rick promoted to the rank of Sergeant on September 28, 2003. Rick was a Patrol Sergeant for 2 years before becoming the Special Operations Sergeant and a K9 supervisor. In 2006, Rick obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.
Rick has a long history of coaching youth tee ball, basketball and football in the City of Salinas. He has coached the Salinas Colts and Broncos, was a varsity football coach at Alisal High School and is currently a varsity football coach at Salinas High School. After 29 dedicated years with the Salinas Police Department Ricks' official retirement date is July 4, 2014.