L to R: CA Highway Patrol Officer Robert Hunter introduced by Lt. Troy Lukkes
Elks Exalted Ruler Jim Humphrey congratulates Deputy Michael Stout, Orange County Unincorporated South
ER Humphrey with Deputy Jack Songer, City of Aliso Viejo
ER Humphrey presents award to City of Laguna Hills Deputy Ray Botta
ER Humphrey with OCFA Battalion 4 Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Cummings
ER Humphrey congratulates Deputy Dallas Hennessey, City of Lake Forest
ER Humphrey with OCFA Battalion 6 Captain Jack Perisho
ER Humphrey, Deputy Brad Kenneally, City of Mission Viejo
ER Humphrey, Deputy Mark Kent, City of Laguna Niguel
ER Humphrey, Deputy Jason Finley, City of Rancho Santa Margarita
The Law Enforcement and Firefighters Appreciation Night was held January 17th by the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks. One hundred and sixty five guests and members honored the twenty two award recipients from the Saddleback Valley. The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by the Orange County Fire Authority Color Guard. Lecturing Knight Gail Reavis welcomed guests and introduced the evening’s master of ceremonies Dennis Keffer. Past Exalted Ruler Harvey Boelts and his talented all volunteer kitchen crew prepared a delicious prime rib dinner, which was served by the Tesoro High School Music boosters club. Mayors and dignitaries from the local communities along with Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, representatives from the California Highway Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department joined with the Elks to honor the heroic efforts of the intrepid men and women who gallantly serve our community.
Mission Viejo Deputy of the year award was presented by Exalted Jim Humphries to Deputy Brad Kenneally. Deputy of the Year honors for Rancho Santa Margarita went to Deputies Jason Finley and Deputy Jack Ackerman. Laguna Hills named Deputy Ray Botta as their Deputy of the Year, and the California Highway Patrol awarded Officer of the Year honors to Officer Robert Hunter.
Others honored this year as Deputies and Firefighters of the Year were:
Deputy Jason Ivens – City of San Juan Capistrano
Deputy Jack Songer – City of Aliso Viejo
OCFA Battalion 4 Firefighter Paramedic Ryan Cummings and Reserve Dan Poblete
OCFA Battalion 6 Firefighter Steve Dohman and Reserve Brian Cox
Deputy Robert Edwards – City of Dana Point
Deputy Dallas Hennessey – City of Lake Forest
Deputy Mark Kent – City of Laguna Niguel
Deputy Rod Valdez – City of San Clemente
Deputy Michael Stout – Unincorporated South County Area
The gala affair was the 10th Annual Law Enforcement and Firefighters Appreciation Night put on by the Elks and was sponsored by The Elks Bingo Committee. The event was chaired by Elks Lecturing Knight Gail Reavis with the help of: Harvey, Betty and Dennis Boelts, Irene Romero and Ed and Pam Mackey, Dianna Wilson, and many more.
