Law Appreciation Day honors local heroes
This afternoon, at the Hyatt, the Santa Clarita Bar Association took some time out to shine a spotlight on the men and women who they consider heroes.
What do you get when you put Firefighters, Paramedics, Highway Patrol Officers, Sheriff’s Deputies, District Attorneys and high school students in a room together? Some incredible stories.
That was the consensus at Law Appreciation Day. Aside from an overall nod to law enforcement personnel and emergency responders, specific local people were picked out and thanked for their heroic acts.
Also, two high school students were acknowledged for their work for the community. Valencia High Senior Amber Gaines has helped out in a variety of ways, including working with non-profit organization Let Me Sail, Blood drives, a special needs prom and Back Packs for Education programs. She joined Hart High senior Jose Garcia, who is the Co-President of the Change of Hart club, which takes aim at raising awareness of diversity on local schools.
Many dignitaries were on hand, including LA County Supervisor Michael Antonovich and Santa Clarita Mayor Marsha McLean. “Public Safety is one of the things that we are most concerned about in Santa Clarita,” said Mayor McLean. “We want to make sure that our families feel safe and protected.”
Other award winners with incredible stories include:
Paramedics Adam Clint and Brett Davis, who responded to the call regarding a 17 month old girl who fell into a pool. Through their work, the girl’s life was saved.
Deputy Richard Nichol works for the LA County Sheriff’s Department, and helped retrieve over twenty firefighters from a cove at Lake Pyramid during the Day Fire. The fire crew had been working on the shore when the fire changes and put them in jeopardy. Deputy Nichol, operating a Sheriff’s Department boat, navigated through thick smoke to reach the dock and take the fire crew out of harm’s way.
Dan Damon works for the District Attorney’s office and has tried 92 jury trials in his twenty –three years for Los Angeles County. He is the Deputy-in-Charge at the Newhall office.
Officer William Ward is with the CHP. He is a long time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley and helps to train and mentor new CHP graduates. He also dedicated much time to the Special Olympics and has served two tours in Iraq. Why does he do it? Officer Ward says it’s what he loves. “When you put on the uniform, you get a sense of pride,” he said in a modest tone.
Poole and Shaffery Law firm was the title sponsor for the event.
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