Police & Firefighters Association Awards Luncheon
By Mission Calls Staff
Photos by Dave Safely
Elks 2024 Law Enforcement and Firefighters Annual Appreciation Awards Luncheon February 10, 2024
Elks Lodge 2444 hosted its thirty-fifth annual luncheon recognizing the outstanding men and women of South County’s Police and Fire Association. Over one hundred people filled the Elks newly redecorated Lodge room in this annual salute to Orange County’s finest. The luncheon is a signature event on the Lodge calendar that celebrates the achievements of our South Orange County Police and Firefighters. And while no mere luncheon could accurately serve to acknowledge the debt owed to these brave individuals, our Lodge does its utmost to applaud their accomplishments. Elks Exalted Ruler Tenisha Campanile opened the event, greeting the guests and welcoming Police and Fire Association VIPs, award recipients and their families. Past Exalted Ruler, Greg Morgan acted as master of Ceremonies adding his touch of humor with some lighthearted banter between himself and the VIP Police and Firefighters. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Susan Flores gave an inspirational invocation. This year’s event presented 17 awards to deserving individuals. Police and Fire Department representatives provided both a stirring summary of the award winner’s performance while sprinkling it with the heartfelt humor of an intimate comrade. These worthy individuals deserve a debt of gratitude for their performance in support of public safety ranging from protecting the public from the distribution of illegal drugs to compassionately dealing with the homeless to investigating and building a case against a murderer who might otherwise have escaped justice. The recipients of the prestigious Elk Awards were nominated by their fellow officers and selected by the most senior members of their respective departments. They are truly the best of the best.
Master of Ceremonies Past Exalted Ruler Greg Morgan introduced the Police VIPs who spoke of the accomplishments of the award recipients in their charge. Lodge Inner Guard Jerry Flores, a retired Firefighter, introduced the Firefighters Association awards. Exalted Ruler Tenisha Campanile presented the award plaques. Starting off the Meritorious Service Awards was Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Capt. E. Mitry who introduced Deputy Steven Thompson Southeast/Unicorp. Oper- ations Deputy of the Year. Mission Viejo Chief of Police Chris McDonald introduced Deputy Clara Dossland, City of Mission Viejo Deputy of the Year. City of Aliso Viejo OCSD Captain Al Villanueva introduced Deputy of the Year Dominic France. Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Battalion 4 Chief Mike Summers was honored to introduce award recipient Fire Cap- tain Lucas Bauer. OCSD City of Laguna Hills Captain Bill Burk introduced recipient Deputy Jamie Pineda Deputy of the Year for the City of Laguna Hills. OCSD City of Dana Point Captain Todd Hylton introduced Deputy Maggie Torres Deputy of the Year for Dana Point. OCSD City of Lake Forest Captain Christine Berryman introduced Deputy Daniel Serrano the Lake Forest honored award recipient. OCSD City of Laguna Niguel Captain Isac Flores introduced the Laguna Niguel Deputy of the Year Lindsey Rhodes. California Highway Patrol Captain Brad Palmer introduced Highway Patrol Officer Randy Rush Offi- cer of the Year. OCSD Regional Traffic Bureau Captain Cruz Alday introduced award recipient Deputy Paul Coleman. OCFA Battalion 7 award was presented by Bat. Chief Jason Taylor to Paramedic/Firefighter Wade Munson. OCSD City of Rancho Santa Margarita Capt. Mihaela Kennedy introduced Deputy of the Year Kyle Quon. OCSD City of San Clemente Captain Jay Christian introduced Deputy Jared Hendee. OCSD City of San Juan Capistrano Captain Justin Montano introduced Deputy Sean Vasquez. OCSD Behavioral Health Bureau Captain Jason Ivins introduced Deputy Isaiah Hicks. OCDA Senior Deputy DA Caroline Smith introduced Deputy David Pena, and OCFA Battalion 6 Division 3 Chief Cheyne Maule proudly introduced Reserve Firefighter Connor Macleod.
In the presentation of this ceremony, the Lodge represented itself with pride and honor and cut no corner with the preparation of a magnificent meal of a prime steak with a full complement of trimmings. Another amazing job by our own outstanding cook- ing crew: Nina Mcann, Tracee McRae, Jana Merk, Vera, Steve Cagnacci, Darren Phillips, Brad Holt, Bob Benes, Chad Williams, Linda Cimmarusti, Debbie Lamb, and Sandy McClure. Our thanks go also to Exalted Ruler Tenisha Campanile for her untiring efforts in making this event so successful. The entire volunteer staff supported by so many is also deserving of our thanks.
Click to view Police & Fireman Luncheon Photo Gallery
