In the Hills - Chino Hills City News and Recreation Guide Summer 2026

Police Department Honors Top Employees

Jake Dances Deputy of the Year

Melissa Holmes Professional Staff Member of the Year

Deputy Jake Dances has been honored as the Chino Hills Police Department’s Deputy of the Year in recognition of his unwavering work ethic, commitment to teamwork, and remarkable resilience. He has served with the San Bernardino

Melissa Holmes has been selected as the Chino Hills Police Department Professional Staff Member of the Year. Melissa joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in 2023, where she began her service as an Office Specialist before

County Sheriff's Department since 2021 and has been assigned to the Chino Hills Station since 2023. His strong dedication to his duties, hardworking nature, and attention to detail have set a new standard of excellence in the station, making him widely respected amongst his colleagues. Deputy Dances is also recognized for his integral role on the Chino Hills Traffic Division, as a Field Training Officer, and for being the station’s Explorer Advisor. Through these different responsibilities, he actively supports his fellow officers, consistently offers guidance when needed, and is never hesitant to step in to assist during critical moments. His positive attitude fosters unity within the department, which results in strengthening morale and reinforcing a culture of mutual respect. Congratulations, Deputy Dances! Thank you for everything you do to keep our community safe!

earning a promotion to Administrative Assistant. In this role, she is recognized for her dynamic, determined, and solution-oriented approach that enables her to manage a wide array of complex station responsibilities, including personnel payroll, performance evaluations, training requests, scheduling, and much more! Melissa is also an active member of the Station Employee Activities Committee, where she plays a key role in organizing events that strengthen teamwork and morale. Additionally, she oversees the station snack shack, further demonstrating her willingness to contribute wherever needed to support staff and operations. Her dedication to fostering a positive environment and her commitment to serving as the station’s backbone have rightfully earned her the esteemed title of Professional Staff Member of the Year. Congratulations, Melissa, we are lucky to have you in our community!

Save the Date for National Night Out 2026!

Save the date for this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4! Registration information will be available online at www.chinohills.org/NNO starting in May. The City of Chino Hills received the National Award for its participation in the 42nd Annual National Night Out event in 2025. Last year, over 2,500 residents in 28 different neighborhoods participated. Chino Hills ranked 6th in the nation in its category of cities with a population of 50,000 to 100,000. Since 2005, neighborhoods in Chino Hills have participated in a variety of events and activities designed to bring neighborhoods together and strengthen police-community partnerships, such as barbeques, potlucks, ice cream socials, youth activities, and contests. City Council Members, Deputies, Citizens on Patrol, Fire District personnel with their engines, and City staff visit as many events as possible in one night.

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In the Hills • (909) 364-2600