The Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks Past Exalted Ruler, Jamie Jasso, opened the program and welcomed everyone to the Lodge’s Annual Law Enforcement and Firefighter Appreciation Awards Luncheon. “This event is dedicated to the first responders who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe in the Orange County / Saddleback Valley.” Master of ceremonies Hal Mattson Past Exalted Ruler (PER), introduced the Police and Firefighter VIPs who spoke of the accomplishments of the award recipient in their charge. Exalted Ruler Greg Morgan presented the award plaques.
Starting off the Meritorious Service Awards was Sgt. Pete Kim introducing California Highway Patrol Officer of the Year, Patrick Bourassa. Captain Carl Bulanek had the honor of introducing Deputy Nicolas Longcob the OCSD Deputy of the Year for San Juan Capistrano. Orange County Fire Authority Battalion 7 Division Chief, Rob Capobianco, introduced Firefighter of the Year Captain Drew Garcia. OCSD Sgt. Chad Phillips for the City of Aliso Viejo honored Investigator Jason Chapluk. City of Laguna Hills Lt. Matthew Stiverson presented OCSD Deputy of the Year to Deputy Colton Walsh.
OCFA Battalion 4 Division Chief Mike Contreras introduced Reserve Firefighter of the Year Nicolas Mester. Battalion Chief Ryan Bishop introduced Captain Richard Ventura. OCSD for the City of Dana Point, Deputy Juan Ochoa was introduced by Sgt. Michael Stout as Deputy of the Year. The City of Lake Forest honored OCSD Deputy Sergio Castro as Deputy of the Year. Capt Chad Taylor commented that “Sergio is a veteran of the US Marines and completed two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He is an elite member of the Critical Response Team and works with the homeless in the City of Lake Forest”. Unable to attend was City of Laguna Niguel Deputy of the Year Micah Sulham. His award was accepted for him by Capt. Virgil Asuncion. For the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Captain M. Kennedy presented Deputy Carlos Nieto the Deputy of the Year award. OCFA Battalion 6 awards presented by Bat. Chief Aaron Clark went to Reserve Firefighter, Brian Chen and Captain Andrew Vanderstelt, OCSD City of Mission Viejo Deputy of the Year award was presented by Capt. Quyen Vuong to Deputy Carolynn Cuzynski. OCSD Southeast/Unicorp Operations Capt. Joe Vollmer introduced Deputy of the year recipient Kevin Riske. Laguna Beach Fire Department Bat. Chief Crissy Teichmann presented the award to Engineer/Paramedic Zack DeJohn.
The event began with the audience standing for the presentation of the national colors by Boy Scout Troop 639. Elks Lodge Chaplain Dick Holmes led the opening prayer. Master of Ceremonies, PER Mattson, introduced dignitaries that were present: Elks District Leader, Past District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler Tom Lemm and his Wife Valarie, Lodge Secretary Norm Jones Past District Deputy, Jim Anderson Past District Deputy and Lodge advisor, Past Grand Lodge Committeeman Andy Costello and wife Mary Ann. Also introduced were City of Mission Viejo Mayor Wendy Bucknum, City of Laguna Niguel Mayor Carol Moore, Aliso Viejo Mayor Ross Chun, and Aliso Viejo Council Member Mike Munzing. Present also was Elks Lodge Trustee Alan Harkness who manages the very successful Elks Bingo program which continues to make the Award Luncheon and other Elks charity events possible. The Awards Luncheon was made even more special as honorees were encouraged to invite families and friends. Over 120 guests including Law Enforcement & Fire Authority VIPs and award recipients, were joined by their spouses, parents, and children, making the event truly a family affair.
In every introduction throughout the afternoon, the recounting of the events and episodes involved played out like a page right out of a bestselling adventure novel. The number of lives saved and the scores of tragedies averted by these brave defenders of our safety and well-being were truly amazing. Following the awards ceremony, Elks Past Exalted Ruler Charlie Hart said of the event, “I’ve been at these tributes for many years, and I never tire of hearing the stories related by these wonderful people. An Elks visiting member was very impressed and summed up the event saying, “We read in the news about the incidents these men and women are involved in and must deal with on a daily basis. Some of those incidents are frightening with endings that are quite sad, and some have results that bring a smile to your face. But all give you an appreciation of having these amazing servants of the community here to deal with them. Meeting these men and women in person with their wives, husbands, and children beaming with pride just shows you the real human side of their story.”
Emcee Mattson closed the award presentations saying, “On behalf of the over 1200 members of the Mission Viejo Saddleback Valley Elks, we would like to again thank the firefighters, paramedics, sheriffs, deputies, and police officers for joining us today and for always being there at a moment’s notice to lend a hand while putting their own safety at risk.” Mattson added thanks to everyone who helped make the Appreciation Awards Luncheon a success. The luncheon’s volunteer cooks were Kevin Lindley, Bobbie Benes, Brad Holt, Josh Owsley, and Brian De Ghetto. The lunch of mixed greens salad, filet mignon with roasted potatoes, cornbread, and baby asparagus was served by the Boy Scouts of Troop 603 and 639 assisted by Elks Lady’s Club members Barbara King, Linda Cimmarusti, Sue Kussro, Trustee Andrea Pham, and Margo Kutner.
The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 is celebrating 52 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of eight (8) lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 154 year history of giving. “Elks Care Elks Share” For information regarding Elks programs or membership, call (949) 830-3557.
