More than 900 supporters of the Sheriff’s Department gathered at an Irvine hotel Friday to honor 38 members of the department for acts of valor, courage, merit and lifesaving.
It was the Department’s 20th Annual Medal of Valor Luncheon.
Some of those attending were members of the Board of Supervisors, the Sheriff’s Advisory Council, Contract Police Services Partners and family and friends of those receiving awards.
The Master of Ceremonies was once again television personality Ed Arnold.
For a list of those who received awards click this: Medal of Valor.pdf (4.45 mb)
Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson beamed with pride at those who had earned awards.
Following the Department members receiving their awards, Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson made remarks for the occassion. He told those assembled:
“I don’t think it’s a surprise to any of you that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has no shortage of heroes
Our 119-year history is filled with stories of brave men and women running toward harm’s way while others are running away.
In the 20 years we’ve celebrated the Medal of Valor Awards, we have always realized that it takes many men and women doing extraordinary things every single day to make the Orange County Sheriff’s Department successful.
Our success rests, not only on those we honor, but also on the shoulders of our unsung heroes.
The public calls 9-1-1, and in doing so, know that help will arrive quickly.
In the Sheriff’s Department, every day offers challenges that our men and women face. Daily, our unsung heroes face the worse kind of heart-rending circumstances.
They face the carnage and emotional chaos that results from horrific traffic accidents, all being played out on a public roadway
With a reassuring hug and the gift of a teddy bear, they console the cries of an innocent toddler who’s caregiver has abused them.
They look into the eyes of a tearful parent as they tell them about their child’s tragic death.
They hold the bloodied hand of a traffic accident victim trapped in a car as they are dying, as the victim asks the deputy to relay to their loved-ones their final words
By the nature of our work, law enforcement is a dangerous profession and there are literally hundreds of thousands of factors that can ultimately determine the fate of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way.
I’m honored today to be sitting with Deputy Pete Perez and his wife Michelle.
Nine years ago, Deputy Perez was involved in a traffic collision riding his Sheriff’s motorcycle. Pete suffered severe injuries to his left leg but never let that stand between him and the job he loves and does so well.
Pete has had nine separate surgeries on his leg, returning to work between surgeries. Yet, even in light of his tremendous pain and suffering, I know that he’s proud to be a member of the Sheriff’s Department and of his service to our community. Those of us who know Pete know that he never just gives up. Sadly, due to medical complications, Pete just recently had his leg partially amputated.
Deputy Perez is a hero to us all and he’s an example of the men and women who, every day, stand firm in our mission to protect and serve.”
Deputy Perez was introduced to a standing ovation at the luncheon.
Acting Sheriff Anderson continued his remarks after the ovation for Deputy Perez.
He said:
“Our success is also dependent on the support of the public. Mr. Robert LaNier was honored today for his efforts on behalf of an 8-year-old child he found in a swimming pool.
Also here with us today are Laurinda Spalding and Michael Palacio.
On February 2nd of this year, Laurinda and Mike were in a car when Laurinda noticed in her rearview mirror a naked man knocking on the apartment window of a woman she knew.
Laurinda alerted her boyfriend, Mike. Mike jumped out of the car and approached the man, chasing him throughout the apartment complex. During the protracted foot pursuit, the suspect threw a brick at Mike, but Mike didn’t give up.
Mike caught the suspect and stayed with him until the Tustin police arrived. The suspect is currently charged with 24 various felonies and is suspected of several hundred cases of indecent exposure.
Mike now has first-hand experience of the dangers and perils of law enforcement – he probably didn’t think twice about chasing that suspect – but I’m sure he wondered what he was going to do once he caught the naked man.
Law enforcement isn’t easy - it isn’t safe and we couldn’t do it without the support of the public. Mike, you have proven your courage and if you choose, we would welcome your application to join our ranks.
Ladies & gentleme. Laurinda Spalding and Michael Palacio."
Another standing ovation.
The Acting Sheriff continued:
"Last year, 186 peace officers were killed in the line of duty in the United States, one of the deadliest years on record.
Ten of these men and women were from California
Since 1889, our department has lost 8 brave deputies in the line-of-duty.
Undersheriff Robert Squires - 1912
Deputy Ezra Stanley - 1940
Deputy Robert Schultz - 1958
Deputy Mark Tonkin - 1988
Deputy Darryn Robins – 1993
Deputy Brad Riches - 1999
Deputy Steve Parsons - 2000
Sergeant Matt Davis – 2002
Let us not forget their ultimate sacrifice…
As we look around today, we realize how blessed we are to be surrounded by so many men and women who are living examples of our department’s mission: “To provide professional, responsive, and caring law enforcement services to the residents, visitors and businesses of Orange County.”
And in closing I wish to say –
On behalf of the men and women of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, I thank you for being here today to honor these extraordinary individuals.
Thank you and God Bless.”
For a view of the Orange County Register's online presentation of the awards click here.