By Lookout Staff

February 5, 2010 -- The Santa Monica Elks Lodge chose Mark Kessler, a 22-year veteran of the Santa Monica College police force, as "Law Enforcement Officer of the Year."

Kessler was chosen from a group of five officers nominated by the Santa Monica Police Department, FBI, Los Angeles Sheriff's Office, UCLA Police Department and SMC Police Department.

"We were very pleased and very proud of Officer Kessler," said SMC Police Chief Al Vasquez. "It shows the level of training and sophistication of our officers and that we do a good job."

This is only the second year that SMC has submitted a nomination to the Elks.

Kessler was recognized for, among other things, his leadership as the training coordinator for the department. He has also been praised for

developing a crime prevention program targeted to SMC's large international student population, speaking to students at orientation classes.

Kessler also teaches First Aid and CPR to officers in both the SMC and Santa Monica police departments.

"I've enjoyed working with students, seeing their insight and energy," Kessler said. "SMC is an amazing place. In law enforcement, you usually see negatives, but at SMC while there are some negatives and we do arrest people from time to time, it's mostly an enjoyable contact with people."

Kessler, of Santa Clarita, received his Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles Valley College and holds a certificate in administration of justice. He received his law enforcement training at the Rio Hondo Police Academy.

Kessler and his wife Tamara have three children, Alyssa, 19, and twins Ryan and Danielle, 16.