They make decisions every day that save lives and protect South
County residents from crime, fire, and medical emergencies. On
Wednesday, The Exchange Club of Gilroy honored 13 public safety
officers as hometown heroes at its annual Blue
&
amp; Gold Awards Luncheon.
They make decisions every day that save lives and protect South County residents from crime, fire, and medical emergencies. On Wednesday, The Exchange Club of Gilroy honored 13 public safety officers as hometown heroes at its annual Blue & Gold Awards Luncheon.
“This is our highest honor,” said Shirley Willard, Exchange Club president-elect, who called the public safety profession “a way of life.”
Representatives of seven agencies presented the awards, along with glowing praise, to their respective honorees.
A group of MHPD officers received awards for their actions last April during what appeared to be an attack on children involved in a youth baseball practice behind Jackson Elementary School.
In fact, the “attack” reported by frantic parents was a group of four teens with realistic-looking Airsoft weapons. The teens were arrested.
Chief Bruce Cumming credited Sgt. Rick Rodriguez with smoothly coordinating the officers’ response despite the stress of the situation. Rodriguez in turn gave credit to Officer Rick Vestal, who recognized one of the guns as fake, and eased the fears of the officers who arrived at the school.
“We were thinking this was the worst,” Rodriguez said. “We keep our … assault weapons in our cars, those came out. We were ready for a confrontation.”
Other MHPD officers receiving awards but not present Wednesday were Cpl. Troy Hoefling, and Officers Scott Silva, Mike Nelsen, Kevin Beilmann and David Ray.
Santa Clara County Fire Department Fire Chief Ben Lopes nominated Capt. Joe Viramontez, who has been with the department for 20 years. Assigned to the El Toro station in Morgan Hill, Viramontez is active in community education, and particularly drinking and driving programs for youth.
Morgan Hill contracts with the Santa Clara County Fire Department for services.
Gilroy Police Department Chief Gregg Giusiana nominated Detective Dan Zen, in honor of his investigation into a cold case that resulted in a murder conviction of a gang member late last year.
“He didn’t let it go, he kept working it,” Giusiana said. “He put this case together literally from air.”
Zen’s wife, Mindy, a corporal with the Morgan Hill Police Department, received his award because he is out of town.
The California Department of Forestry Santa Clara Unit honored paid-call firefighter George Kievlan. A 33-year veteran, Kievlan runs the paid-call program for the area and serves the community by coordinating fundraisers and a program that provides gifts to needy children during the holidays.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office nominee was Detective Julian Quiñonez, who investigated and brought down two high-profile burglary rings last year. His effort solved more than 20 cases, resulted in several arrests, and recovered tens of thousands of dollars in stolen property.
California Highway Patrol Pulbic Affairs Officer Matt Ramirez took home honors for the energy and self-motivation he has brought to the agency since 2002, said Sgt. Dave Hill. His leadership in programs such as a Special Olympics fundraiser and drunken driving education activities earned him employee of the year for 2004.
“He keeps us motivated on days when we’re just there at the desk,” Hill said.
Two Gilroy firefighters were lauded for their motivation and ability to handle multiple difficult tasks. Gilroy Fire Department Division Chief Clay Bentson presented the nominations for Engineer-Paramedic Shaun Peyghambary and paid-call Firefighter Jim Dempsey.
The only award given to a non-public service worker was The Book of Golden Deeds Award, presented by Exchange Club member Vilma Pinheiro. Bruce Williams, manager of Heritage Bank of Commerce and a 14-year community volunteer.
The Exchange Club is a non-profit volunteer organization that supports child abuse prevention and other causes. The club meets the first and third Wednesdays of every month at Mama Mia’s.
Gilroy Dispatch reporter Lori Stuenkel can be reached at ls*******@gi************.com or 847-7158.
