The John Hootman Memorial Award (formerly known as the “Hooter’s Hummer” Award) is presented annually at the January meeting of the Western States Auto Theft Investigators (WSATI) Association. It is named after the late California Highway Patrol Investigator John D. Hootman of the Inland Division Investigations Services Unit. It honors the memory of an officer who gave so much time, effort, enthusiasm, and innovation towards helping the construction industry prevent and resolve equipment crimes.

The name “Hooter’s Hummer” represents the last major case he spearheaded, the $10 million dollar recovery case against a suspect. This was the code name that John created for that memorable five-year case. That case remains the largest recovery of stolen construction equipment in United States History.

There are two parts to this award. First, a permanent gold hard hat, on which a small personalized plaque will be added each year naming the newest winner. The hard hat will be passed from winner to winner at this annual meeting. Second, a personalized plaque will be given each year to the current winner to keep.

As presented by Executive Director Melissa Somers at the WSATI Southern Chapter Training Meeting / Luncheon in Garden Grove on January 16, 2020:

“CPP is incredibly fortunate to have the support of our many law enforcement partners throughout Southern California. In 2019, we recorded a staggering $851,066 of recovered construction equipment belonging to CPP members. It was these partnerships that make it possible – so THANK YOU!

This year’s winner of the John Hootman Memorial Award exemplifies the diligence our law enforcement partners show and the value of working together.

This taskforce has willingly answered calls for assistance and diligently investigated construction equipment theft while also conducting heavy equipment trainings for fellow law enforcement officers in their county. They have recovered an impressive $600,00 worth of equipment – more than $286k of it belonging to CPP members. They have proven – time and again – that they are dedicated to doing any and everything they can to exceed anyone’s expectations. They have always answered my calls for assistance – to track down a lead on a piece of stolen equipment or join us for our Grant Funding presentations.

It is my honor and pleasure to present the 24th Annual John Hootman Memorial Award to the Riverside Auto-theft Interdiction Detail (RAID TASK FORCE).”

WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Current members of the WSATI organization, including individual law enforcement officers or their departments, task forces, insurance companies, private investigators, etc. If a multi-agency group or task force is selected, the award will be presented to the whole unit, not a single officer representing the group.DATES AND LOCATIONS OF ELIGIBILITY: Activities which took place before November 30th, 2020 will be considered. To be eligible, activities must have taken place within at least one of the ten Southern California counties, the same area covered by the Crime Prevention Program.

ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: Prevention or resolution of construction industry theft or vandalism incidents, apprehension of suspects, and training or educational activities for officers or the general public. These construction cases should reflect the nominee’s personal interest, enthusiasm, commitment, and innovation. The award is not to be based on the dollar value of any recoveries, although any overall value should be noted.

For a copy of the application, contact the CPP Office or click here for an Adobe .pdf version of the application that can be downloaded and printed.

DEADLINE: All mailed entries must be received at the CPP Office by December 30, 2020. Please send entries to:

Crime Prevention Program of SoCal
John Hootman Award Nomination
2390 E. Orangewood, Suite 585
Anaheim, CA 92806
(562) 860-9006 / 24-Hour Reward / Hotline 800-432-7257 X 823
EMAIL: cppofsocal@gmail.com

The presentation will take place at the January 2021 WSATI Southern Chapter Training Meeting / Luncheon (location to be determined). For information regarding the WSATI Training Meetings, please click here or on the WSATI man below.

For more information regarding the Crime Prevention Program, click here.

For a review of the actual “Hooter’s Hummer” case file from John Hootman (password encrypted), please click here.