Sometimes, even the quiet heroes get their day in the spotlight.
For 10 of South Valley
’s bravest and finest public safety and service officers, that
day was Wednesday at the Exchange Club of Gilroy’s 13th Annual Blue
and Gold Awards.
Sometimes, even the quiet heroes get their day in the spotlight.
For 10 of South Valley’s bravest and finest public safety and service officers, that day was Wednesday at the Exchange Club of Gilroy’s 13th Annual Blue and Gold Awards.
“The commitment each of these honorees have made to the community is amazing,” said Christy Bracco, Gilroy’s Exchange Club president, who was happy to learn the awards were taking place during National Police Week. “To do the amazing job these men and women do takes a lot of their personal time. They’ve made the choice to put their community first and we’re all better for it.”
Created to honor local law enforcement officers and firefighters for their contribution to the community, the awards brought out an all-star cast of local public safety officers.
This year’s winner of the Book of Golden Deeds award was Bob Kraemer, who spends the better part of his week juggling volunteer time as a Gilroy school board member, Bonfante Garden’s board president, a Leadership Gilroy board member and member of several other community-based organizations.
Kraemer was the only non-public safety officer to receive an exchange club award Wednesday.
Kathie Welch of the Santa Clara County Fire Department was also honored. For almost two years, she has worked in Morgan Hill at the El Toro station, but she has been a firefighter-paramedic in Santa Clara County for the past six years.
During her time in Morgan Hill, she has obtained certifications in rescue, confined space rescue and instructor. She has also recently became involved with SCCFD’s mentoring program.
The award recipient from the Morgan Hill Police Department was Officer Shane Palsgrove, who has been with the department for just over three years.
Palsgrove, who came to the MHPD directly from the academy, has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice administration. He has worked on patrol duty during his time with the department.
Palsgrove was honored for the apprehension of a suspect auto thief. He headed for U.S. 101 after learning a stolen auto was heading north from Gilroy.
When the auto passed, Palsgrove gave chase. The suspect was arrested in San Jose with the assistance of other police. Investigation linked the suspect to three other auto thefts in the Morgan Hill area.
“This proactive attitude and assertive action are typical of Officer Palsgrove,” said Lt. Terrie Booten. “This is just one example of his tenacity and his dedication to the safety of the community.”
Throughout the awards, honorees and their guest were provided a free pasta lunch by Mama Mia’s restaurant, 1360 First St., and they were served by members of the Exchange Club.
