Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station volunteers and reserves were honored for their service at the 51st annual recognition dinner held on April 16 at the Brookside Country Club. CV Station Capt. Dave Silversparre emceed the event, welcoming a room filled to capacity with those eager to pay homage to the volunteers, many who give hundreds of hours annually to the sheriff’s department. Among those on hand to present congratulations and certificates were Leonard Ghazarian, president of the CV Chamber of Commerce; Pat Anderson, president and CEO of the La Cañada Chamber of Commerce; Cheryl Davis, president of the CV Town Council; representatives from the offices of State Senator Carol Liu, State Assemblyman Mike Gatto and Los Angeles board of supervisors Michael Antonovich and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept.

Volunteer of the year was Robert Keiter, uniformed reserve of the year was Mark Vafiades and Montrose Search and Rescue volunteer of the year was Doug Cramoline.

Specific awards were given by the MSR team to Fred Koegler who received the Gold Figure “8” Award, Mike Leum who received the Golden Piton Award and Dannie Hensley who received the Silver Figure “8” Award.

A sense of satisfaction is a driving factor for many of these volunteers, which are often asked why they do what they do.

Responded Leum, “Outside of my family, performing search and rescue missions are the most rewarding activity I have ever done.”

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY
Photos provided by CV Sheriff’s Station

  robin goldsworthy