BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sometimes in law enforcement it's what you do when you're not wearing the badge that brings recognition. That was the case Friday night at the 25th annual Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation "Officer of the Year" banquet in Bakersfield.
Officers often receive thanks and appreciation from the people they serve, but several peace officers were recognized by their peers and not just for heroism in the line of duty.
The Officer of the Year award went to Sheriff's Sergeant Mark Brown, a 13-year veteran, who's been assigned to the Frazier Park substation for the past five years. In that time, he's spent countless hours serving the mountain communities on his own time, coordinating programs to fight bullying, substance abuse, and underage drinking. He's set up programs for at-risk youth and community cleanup campaigns.
"I just want to thank the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for this event and for honoring officers who are serving the people of Kern County. It's just getting a lot harder out there now, and I appreciate the fact that you are honoring law enforcement. Thank you," Brown said.
The Exceptional Officer of the Year award went to the CHP Officer Anthony Ingram for his tireless work in supporting athletic programs for disabled children.
Two Medal of Valor awards were handed out. One to senior Sheriff's Deputy William Hinkle who risked his own safety to pull the wife of an armed suspect from their car last January during a dangerous, and at times, high speed pursuit.
The other Medal of Valor award was given to Bakersfield Police Detective John Talbot, for saving the life of a man trapped in a burning car April, following a crash in southwest Bakersfield.
Randy Hardin and Randy Winkle were honored as Businessmen of the Year by the Law Enforcement Foundation. And, longtime Foundation supporter Arnold Johansen was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
And to top it all off, the Kern Law Enforcement Foundation presented three students, Alexandria Quiora, Tori Zimmermann, and Kelsey Taylor, with college scholarships.
It was a good night for law enforcement at the Stockdale Country Club.
Officers often receive thanks and appreciation from the people they serve, but several peace officers were recognized by their peers and not just for heroism in the line of duty.
The Officer of the Year award went to Sheriff's Sergeant Mark Brown, a 13-year veteran, who's been assigned to the Frazier Park substation for the past five years. In that time, he's spent countless hours serving the mountain communities on his own time, coordinating programs to fight bullying, substance abuse, and underage drinking. He's set up programs for at-risk youth and community cleanup campaigns.
"I just want to thank the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation for this event and for honoring officers who are serving the people of Kern County. It's just getting a lot harder out there now, and I appreciate the fact that you are honoring law enforcement. Thank you," Brown said.
The Exceptional Officer of the Year award went to the CHP Officer Anthony Ingram for his tireless work in supporting athletic programs for disabled children.
Two Medal of Valor awards were handed out. One to senior Sheriff's Deputy William Hinkle who risked his own safety to pull the wife of an armed suspect from their car last January during a dangerous, and at times, high speed pursuit.
The other Medal of Valor award was given to Bakersfield Police Detective John Talbot, for saving the life of a man trapped in a burning car April, following a crash in southwest Bakersfield.
Randy Hardin and Randy Winkle were honored as Businessmen of the Year by the Law Enforcement Foundation. And, longtime Foundation supporter Arnold Johansen was given a Lifetime Achievement Award.
And to top it all off, the Kern Law Enforcement Foundation presented three students, Alexandria Quiora, Tori Zimmermann, and Kelsey Taylor, with college scholarships.
It was a good night for law enforcement at the Stockdale Country Club.