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Dedicated to the ones we love: Honoring Kings County's 2019 public safety heroes
And judging by the reactions of the 300-plus attendees that crowded the auditorium on Friday afternoon (Sept. 27), Kings County’s public safety officials must have felt good about their unique and sometimes difficult jobs.
The Lemoore Chamber of Commerce spearheaded this year’s Kings County Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon Friday afternoon as roughly 350 hungry well-wishers showed up for a tasty lasagna lunch, and more importantly, to deliver a personal thank you to 15 public safety individuals.
Lemoore’s Chamber of Commerce executive director, Amy Ward, got the event off to a solid start by thanking Lemoore’s public safety organizations, including the Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department for responding quickly to a fire that nearly engulfed the chamber's office at the downtown railroad depot. She also thanked the Kings County public safety audience on behalf of the chamber’s members. “There are 300 businesses that count on you every single day,” she said. “Our businesses need you. They need your services. Thank you for doing the job we can’t do.”
Lemoore Police Chief Darrel Smith got the first crack at honoring one of his police officer disciples. Smith, who plans to retire soon, was honored with a special banner, that luncheon attendees were asked to autograph.
Smith said he was honored to recognize this year’s honoree, Eric Trevino, the Lemoore Police Department’s 2019 recipient of the Public Safety Award. Trevino, after a stint with the Tulare Police Department, arrived in Lemoore in 2018 and since then has been an instrumental part of Lemoore’s public safety effort. Currently, he handles the department’s canine patrol, and he can often be seen patrolling Lemoore’s streets with his partner “Rocket.” He’s also the department’s Range Master and Glock & Rifle Armorer. Recently, he conducted an Active Shooter Response Training for fellow officers.
He also volunteers in community events, and his service has earned him the title of Field Training Officer. Trevino graduated from Fresno State grade before entering the Tulare-Kings Basic Police Academy in preparation for his role as a law enforcement officer.
“He always has a positive attitude,” said Smith. “Eric gives back to the community. He’s always got something going on. He’s a natural-born leader. He will be a chief (of police) someday,” said a proud Smith.
Lemoore Volunteer Fireman Aaron Anacleto, a volunteer since 2016, was also honored Friday afternoon. Fellow fireman Brahm Rossiter introduced longtime Lemoore native, who along with his fellow firemen, responded to 931 calls in 2018 this year. This year, he's ridden shotgun on 590 service calls. In January, he takes another step in the firefighter business when he begins the EMT certification program.
2019 Honorees
Officer Eric Trevino, Lemoore Police Department
Firefighter Aaron Anacleto, Lemoore Volunteer Fire Department
Officer Fabian Avalos, Hanford Police Department
Matthew Martinez, Hanford Fire Department
Frank Giannone, American Ambulance
Officer Derek Saldana, California Highway Patrol
Investigator James Sizemore, Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Esmeralda Chavez, Kings County Probation
Beverly Roland, Kings County Child Protective Services
Sgt. Roger Estes, Deputy Gilbert Rios, Kings County Sheriff’s Department
Sgt. Alex Chavarria, Corcoran Police Department
Officer Kayla Smith, Avenal Police Department
Carl Lemos, Kings County Fire Department
Sgt. Shari Long, Kings County Detention Office
