Chamber of Commerce honors local law enforcement

By John Loesing Acorn Staff Writer

Whether it’s keeping tabs on local traffic issues or trying to get to the bottom of a complicated crime, deputies from Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station work hard to preserve the safety of local communities.

On Tuesday, the Agoura/Oak Park/Las Virgenes Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Deputy Appreciation ceremony at The Canyon in Agoura Hills.

"This is a great day for our city and our chamber to honor these law enforcement individuals," said Alex Soteras, chamber president.

Six deputies whose duties cover a wide range of police work were singled out for special recognition.

Dep. Pat Mathers is the Lost Hills senior training officer and a skilled narcotics investigator who acknowledged the gratitude of the community.

"I think after 9-11, people were more appreciative of us. That’s nice," said Mathers, a 15-year law enforcement veteran whose last five years have been at Lost Hills.

Dep. Stephen Rotella has been at the station for only 18 months, but already has made an impact on local law enforcement, according Tom Martin, the station’s captain.

"He is recognized as a bulldog investigator, state of the art evidence gatherer, fantastic law enforcer and (he) takes a personal interest every community event that occurs," Martin said.

Martin described Dep. Kevin Pearcy as the "quiet type" who leads by example, and applauded Dep. Michael Ranes for volunteering to work at Lancaster Station last week so that officers there could attend the funeral of a deputy who had been killed in the line of duty.

"To me, I see a guy who thinks about others before himself, and always tries to help wherever he can," Martin said.

Dep. Larry Mohr received recognition for contributing to traffic enforcement and quality of life in Westlake Village.

Gloria Ferra was congratulated for her thorough work as the Lost Hills property and evidence custodian.

Cmdr. Keith Parks, the Thousand Oaks police chief, honored Dep. Brian Tiffany for his service to the Oak Park community. Tiffany is a former SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team member and the first DARE (Drug Abuse and Resistance Education) officer in Thousand Oaks.

"He works very hard to provide not only patrol services, but training for the new deputies," Parks said.

A special presentation also was given in honor of Hayden Finley, a former Malibu Sheriff’s Station captain and much loved volunteer in the community. Finley passed away earlier this year.

Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine, a reserve LAPD officer, endorsed Soteras in his candidacy for Agoura Hills City Council and applauded the deputy appreciation ceremony as an excellent way to boost the morale of peace officers.

"When you show your support for law enforcement, it means a lot to them," Zine said.

Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station serves a 200 square-mile region, including the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village and Malibu.