Submitted by Andy Costello
Mission viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks #2444
ELKS HONOR SOUTH COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATIONS
The annual Law Enforcement and Firefighters awards Dinner took place on Jan 17 at the Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge. One hundred seventy-five guests and members honored the twenty-one South county awards recipients. The impressive ceremony began with the posting of colors by the Orange county Fire Authority Color Guard and a rousing selection from their Pipes and Drum Corp. Elks Exalted Ruler Michael Holohan welcomed guests and introduced the master of ceremonies Past Exalted Ruler Dennis Keffer. The evening’s program was filled with stories of heroism and bravery, all acknowledged by the appreciative assemblage. Elk Ron Bauchiero and his talented all volunteer kitchen crew prepared a delicious prime rib dinner, which was served by the girls from the Tesoro High School Music boosters club
Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, representatives from the California Highway Patrol and Orange County Sheriff’s Department joined with the Elks to present the awards and honor the heroic efforts of the intrepid men and women who gallantly serve our community. Dignitaries in attendance were Mission Viejo Mayor Frank Ury, Aliso Viejo Mayor Don Garcia, San Clemente Mayor Lori D’Auria and Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Department heads from the local communities included California Highway Patrol Chief Steve Beeuwsaert, Assistant Orange County Sheriff Mike Hillmann, Captain Ron White, Captain Brian Wilkerson, and Orange County Fire Authority Deputy Chief Patrick Mcintosh, and Laguna beach Fire Department Chief Mike Macey. Battalion Chiefs also present were Rick Robinson Division 3, Ed Fleming Division 5, Roger James Division 4, and Dan Runnestrand Division 6.
Awards for the Orange County Fire Authority, firefighters of the year were presented by Exalted Ruler Mike Holohan to Captain Kelly Zimmerman of Battalion 7, Captain Andy Kovacs of Battalion 4, and Captain Shane Munson of Battalion 6. The City of Mission Viejo Sheriff’s Deputy of the Year was Robert (Bobby) Simmons. The Deputy of the Year award for Rancho Santa Margarita went to Deputy John Barbour. Deputy of the year honors also went to Deputy Al Laschober of Lake Forest, and Deputy Emad Mitry of Laguna Hills. The California Highway Patrol awarded Officer of the Year honors to Officers Michael Stoney and Robert Rand.
Other Deputies and Firefighters receiving awards at this year’s event were:Deputy Andy Moore – City of San Juan Capistrano
Deputy Chris McDonald – City of Laguna Niguel
Deputy David Murphy – City of Aliso Viejo
Reserve Firefighter Tony Gaetano – OCFA Battalion 4
Reserve Steve McIntyre – OCFA Battalion 6
Reserve Jason DeMond – OCFA Battalion 7
Captain Chris Kent & Reserve Chris Ornelas – Laguna Beach Fire Department
Deputy Steve Hoffman – City of Dana Point
Deputy Richard Fassel – City of San Clemente
Deputy Michael Duda – Unincorporated Area, South Orange County
Officer Jason Farris – City of Laguna Beach Police Department
The festive affair was the 9th Annual Law Enforcement and Firefighters Appreciation Night put on by the Elks and was sponsored by The Elks Charities’ Bingo Committee. The event was chaired by Elks Loyal Knight Leon Williams with the help of Harvey, Betty and Dennis Boelts, Basia Bills, Ron & Shirley Bauchiero, Karl & Margie Beirschmitt, Marilyn Jacobson, Carmella Wentworth and Claudia Amthor. Information regarding the Elks may be found on the MVSV Elks Web Site: http://www.elkslodge2444.org
