Among the biggest smiles were family members of Lt. Trang To, promoted to the rank of captain. With the honor, To became the highest ranking Vietnamese-American law enforcement officer in the state of California.
"Right now I don't know what to think. It's truly an honor," said To. "
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As a youngster, I wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps. He was the chief of police in Vietnam. He's my mentor and my hero."
To started his career with the Sacramento Sheriff's Department back in 1985 as a reserve officer. By 1986, he became a full-time deputy and quickly joined the department's gang task force, focusing primarily on Asian gangs.
"The gangs were very violent, very brutal and very senseless," To said, recalling many nights spent hunting down murderers and busting criminals with illegal drugs and high-powered guns.
Sheriff's Captain Jim Cooper was To's partner for nine years on the force. "When business owners along the Stockton Boulevard Corridor were being pressured and robbed by gang members, he reached out to them and established a bond that exists to this day," Cooper said.
While the language barrier prevented other officers from gaining some people's confidence, Cooper said To's Vietnamese heritage was crucial. "To could do it because he could speak and understand their language and their cultural differences." Cooper said.
"With the Asian community, trust is very important," To said. "If you have the trust of the Asian community, you can win a lot of battles."
As a sheriff captain, To will get to sit in on department executive meetings and be able to influence policy. But To said he's not taking anything for granted. "I'm truly humbled by this promotion and I'll continue to work hard to make (Sacramento) a better place," said To.
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