Jason Estrada, Jake Jerzykowski named Downey police officer, firefighter of the year

Jason Estrada and Jake Jerzykowski were honored at a Downey Police and Fire Foundation luncheon Tuesday at the Rio Hondo Event Center. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY — Downey Police and Fire Department named detective Jason Estrada and engineer Jake Jerzykowski as Police Officer and Firefighter of the Year, honoring them at a reception at Rio Hondo Event Center on Tuesday.

Both honorees were selected by their peers.

Jerzykowski has been with Downey Fire Department since November 2017. While with the department, he has been a part of several committees, and serves as the department liaison in region 1 for the area’s participation in the Regional Task Force, as well as the department’s public education manager.

Downey Fire Captain Dan Hurlock said Jerzykowski “demonstrated leadership, passion, and dedication.”

“Jake is dedicated to doing the right thing, helping others, showing up on time, being ready to work, and taking responsibility for his actions,” said Hurlock. “Through his passion and drive, Jake has proven that he can lead himself. He uses interpersonal skills and finesse to build relationships, and has become a leader in our organization.

“In the seven short years that Jake’s been with the Downey Fire Department, he’s had a focused passion on improving with his skills, making DFD operations better, so that we can provide the best service possible for the citizens of Downey.”

Jerzykowski expressed thankfulness to his family, the city, and the department. He acknowledged having been selected by his peers, saying it “means a huge deal.”

“The department is built on a nearly 70-year legacy of individuals who have paved the way for those of us that are currently active members,” said Jerzykowski. “Downey firefighters are many things. They are hardworking, they are committed, they are go-getters, they are aggressive in their tactics, they are respectful of tradition, but most importantly, they never quit.

“I am extremely fortunate to be part of such a great organization, and I have enjoyed every moment that I work here. Daily, I am inspired to do the best job possible, because I know my Downey Fire family is doing the same.”

Estrada’s time with Downey PD began in 2005 as a police aid. He left the department in 2006 to apply with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy recruit but returned to Downey in December 2007.

Estrada worked patrol for 11 years, becoming a field training officer in 2014. In November 2018, he was assigned to the detective bureau, where he worked on burglary and grand theft auto before transferring to the homicide desk in May 2022.

Police Chief Scott Loughner said Estrada has “continued to excel in this position.”

“Jason’s tenacity, determination, teamwork, relationship, and drive has been a big reason for the unit’s success,” said Loughner. “Jason will work around the clock without asking any question about it, despite having his wife and young kids at home.”

Estrada promoted to the rank of corporal in 2020.

Estrada commended the work of the detective bureau, and said “When you commit to something, you have to bust your balls; you have to do what you have to do.”

“That’s what Ricky [Galvez] used to do, and I’m going to carry that tradition,” said Estrada.

The annual awards luncheon is in support of the Downey Police and Fire Foundation, which was founded as a result of a 1990 shooting at PACE Warehouse. The non-profit supports and provides assistance for police and fire employees and their families who have found themselves facing unexpected financial hardship or medical needs.