Aliso Viejo Deputy of the Year Kevin de Fries
OCFA Battalion 4 Firefighter of the Year Mike Yeun
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) hosted its 44th annual South Orange County First Responders Appreciation Awards Dinner (“Awards Dinner”) for over 150 firefighters, law enforcement personnel, leaders of their respective organizations, Saddleback Valley community leaders and family members of the personnel being recognized for their outstanding work over the past year.
Derek Randles, Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year Brendon Franks and Lt. Tom Behrens
Laguna Niguel Deputy of the Year Chad Davis, C.S.O. Cheryl Waters and Lt. Matthey Barr
Aliso Viejo first responders recognized were:
Aliso Viejo Deputy of the Year Kevin de Fries
OCFA Battalion 4: Firefighter of the Year Mike Yeun
In addition to Firefighter Mike Yuen, additional Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel first responders recognized were:
Laguna Hills Deputy of the Year Brendon Franks
Laguna Niguel Deputy of the Year Chad Davis and C.S.O. Cheryl Waters
Event organizer Elks State vice president and retired Laguna Beach Fire Captain Harvey Boelts greeted the guests. The program opened with inspiring music played by the Orange County Fire Authority Pipes & Drums followed by presentation of the Colors by the Sheriff’s Department Color Guard. Master of Ceremonies, Elks Lodge past President Dennis Keffer introduced the first responders department heads seated at the dais. Elks Lodge vice president Derek Randles made the trophy award presentations.
Event guests enjoyed a lavish steak dinner prepared by Elks Lodge volunteers Betty, Dennis, Michael and Laura Boelts which was served by student volunteers from the Laguna Hills High School Athletics Program.
Hal Mattson, Lodge Publicity
Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444
