Public safety workers honored in Calabasas

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers THE ENFORCERS—From left, Detective Peter Sanzone and Deputies Kevin Pearcy and Jason Elkins of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station receive thank you awards at last week’s Public Safety Appreciation luncheon in Calabasas. “We don’t take them for granted,” one official said. The city of Calabasas honored Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, animal care workers and citizen volunteers at its annual Public Safety Appreciation Day Feb. 15.

Formerly reserved for Sheriff ’s deputies only, the event at the Agoura Hills/ Calabasas Community Center was expanded this year to include all local public safety employees.

“We don’t take them for granted,” said Dennis Washburn, Calabasas mayor pro tem. “These folks are on the job even when they’re not on the job.”

Kevin Pearcy and Jason Elkins of the Lost Hills Station earned Sheriff Deputy of the Year honors. Peter Sanzone, who focuses on local financial crimes and Internet fraud, was named the station’s Detective of the Year.

Firefighter of the Year is Terry Millsaps, who works closely with the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s youth Explorer program.

“We give (our youth) hope that they can become a successfful part of our communtiy, and that is why we do what we do,” Millsaps said.

Animal Control Officer Mary Lukins was honored for her contributions to the local animal rescue effort. A member of the county’s Equine Respone Team, Lukins helped move more than 100 horses to safety during last fall’s Topanga fire.

The CHP Officer of the Year is Brooke Covington, Fire Captain of the Year is Anthony Hill, and the CERP (Calabasas Emergency Response Program) Volunteer of the Year is Alan Linegar.

Calabasas resident Red Godfrey earned recognition as Humanitarian of the Year for her work with the Spirit of Calabasas Foundation, a volunteer group that raised donations and supplies and shipped them to a devastated school district in New Orleans. — John Loesing