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Salinas was well represented Wednesday in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Chief Kelly McMillin was recognized at the White House for his work to prevent youth violence, alongside Fernanda Ocana, a sophomore at Hartnell.

McMillin and Ocana were two of 12 leaders honored in the the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention, launched at President Barack Obama's direction in 2010 to work toward sharing information across agencies to strengthen efforts to reduce youth violence.

“I’m proud leaders like these have found new and innovative ways to prevent youth violence,” said Jon Carson, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, in a statement. “If we’re going to combat violence and keep our kids safe, then we need to ensure we dedicate time and manpower to the issue. These leaders have done just that, and this is what makes them true champions for their communities and our country.”

McMillin directs Salinas P.D.'s Ceasefire strategy and represents the department to the California Cities Gang Prevention Network and the National Forum for Youth Violence Prevention.

Ocana has been active in Building Healthy Communities for East Salinas and the Community Alliance for Safety and Peace, and alliance forged in 2008 to combat gang violence in Salinas.