The 12th Annual Public Safety Appreciation Awards were given out by the Hanford Chamber of Commerce recently, to praise several unsung community heroes for their displays of extraordinary deeds and exemplary performance in their day-to-day work.

Accolades and lunch were given to 11 employees within Kings County who helped to make the community just a little bit safer and a much greater place to live. The award winners include:

l Prosecutor Thom Snyder with the Kings County District Attorney's Office, who is assigned to the domestic violence and child abduction unit, where he uses his experience as a private attorney to serve the citizens of Kings County and the state of California. He is distinguished by his outstanding job performance, character, personal sacrifice and dedication to his profession as a prosecutor. In 2007, his efforts allowed a mother and child to start a normal life together in Peru, after the child was abducted and brought to the United States by his father, a matter which Snyder pursued through the courts through many months of proceedings and investigation.

l Engineer Jason Mustain with the Kings County Fire Department has a long history working as a volunteer firefighter. He is still very active in the community of Corcoran where he was born, today coaching a local Little League team, serving as a board member and serving as a member of the Corcoran City Planning Commission. Approximately one and a half years ago, Mustain recognized a need in the community and together with the Corcoran building department and the Corcoran Police Department found a use for substandard buildings in the city to be used for fire prevention efforts.

l Officer Mark Carrillo with the Hanford Police Department has worked as a full-time peace officer since February 2003. Since starting, he has exemplified the qualities of initiative and motivation. He believes in what he does and has never been satisfied with simply doing just enough. Two of his most recent accomplishments have been his selection as a member of the recently implemented Gang Resistance Education and Training Program and his promotion to the rank of senior police officer.

l Investigator Carolyn Reeves with Kings County Human Services has demonstrated a strong work ethic and dedication to her job since her very first day in 1994. Because of the heavy workload that the Special Investigations Unit carries, she was assigned a caseload immediately upon returning from the academy. She accepted the workload without complaint. Working in an assignment that has historically had a large backlog of cases, she has been able to keep pace with her current referrals while also striving to eliminate some of the backlog. She conducts thorough investigations on all of her cases and has an excellent working relationship not only with members of her unit but also with staff from all divisions within the Human Services Agency.

l Firefighter Matt Reis with the Hanford Fire Department was hired in August 2002 and wasted no time in seeking educational opportunities and training that would increase his knowledge and improve his skills. He organized the first annual fire department "Open House" in 2005 to coincide with the National Fire Prevention Week activities. He is very active in the community and serves as the Hanford Firefighters Association president. He always strives to provide leadership and loyalty to his department and fellow members and is always willing to take on the tough jobs.

l David Stepp with American Ambulance was hired in September 2006 and was assigned to work in Kings County to help better serve the community he lives in. Co-workers enjoy working with Stepp because of his excellent work ethic and exceptional EMT skills and his willingness to help other crews. He participates in many community events explaining what an EMT's duties are and the equipment that is used at incidents that American Ambulance responds to. One of his many goals is to enter the paramedic program. Until that time, he is gaining valuable experience working as an EMT.

l Officer Joseph Machado with the California Highway Patrol found an interest in seeking out and arresting those who choose to put the public and themselves at risk and drive while impaired. In 2007, Machado was one of the leading officers in Driving Under the Influence arrests in Kings County and was recognized for his efforts by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. Thanks to his efforts, in March 2008, known at-risk felon Lennie Ignacio was located, arrested and booked into the Kings County Jail after causing severe injuries to a Hanford Police Officer and a young woman. Machado is also known for his outstanding Visio drawings of collision scenes.

l Cecilia Rubalcava with Kings County Child Protective Services has dedicated nearly nine years overall and seven years in Kings County to protecting the safety and welfare of children. In 2005, she was designated the primary child abuse reporter screener due to her high level of knowledge and competence in regard to risk assessment. As a screener, she is the first contact for mandated reporters, law enforcement agencies, service providers and the public at large. She is a team player, professional and dedicated to children and families.

l Sgt. Stephen Lopez with the Kings County Probation Department where he works as group supervisor III. Throughout his eight year career with the Probation Department he has worked in both the counties' juvenile facilities and has always put his best foot forward. He arrives early to work and ensures all work is completed before leaving at the end of his shift. His strong work ethic and above standard personal appearance reflects his commitment to the excellence of the department.

l Bart Siino with the Hanford Parole Office is assigned as a parole agent I and responsible for supervising approximately 90 parolees that live in the communities of Hanford, Lemoore and Santa Rosa Rancheria. He is always one of the first to volunteer for assignments and is a valued asset. His devotion to duty has positively impacted the lives of parolees.

l Cmdr. Kim Pedreiro with the Kings County Sheriff's Department currently serves the department as a sheriff's commander of the new Kings County Jail, where she oversees the Housing Unit. She oversees a detention facility with an average daily population of 327 inmates and books approximately 8,000 people a year. Today, she has the distinction of being awarded the Department's "Service Award" for recognition of outstanding achievement in the area of Community Oriented Policing seven years in a row.

The Hanford Chamber of Commerce congratulates and thanks each of the award winners for their devotion and everyday commitment.