Recognizing those who keep our communities safe

While the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department remains the single largest police force in the world, that doesn't mean the deputies who work there have lost the personal touch.

Members of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station in Calabasas, for example, pride themselves in being good community servants, not just cops on the streets.

Last week, members of the sheriff's department, fire department, California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control were honored at a public safety employees recognition luncheon. The event is put on each year by the city of Calabasas.

"It's gratifying to know there are so many people in our community willing to help if called upon to do so," said Albert Katz, who was honored for his work as team leader of the Calabasas Emergency Response Program. CERP volunteers can be helpful in difficult times.

Debra Glafkides, an Oak Park resident and a sheriff's lieutenant, was recognized for her role in the relief effort to help Dep. Jim Mulay, a Lost Hills motorcycle patrolman who was seriously injured last year while thwarting a local bank robbery. Mulay has been receiving therapy and his condition has improved thanks to the community support that Glafkides helped organize.

Hubert Much is a retired Marine Corps officer who was applauded for his work as a Lost Hills volunteer. Also honored was Highway Patrol Officer Shawn Burkhead, a graduate of Calabasas High School who serves on the front lines in the fight against drunk driving.

"When we're at home in bed at 2 in the morning, he's out there on the street working on those quality of life issues," said Burkhead's commanding officer, Lt. Andy Jones of the CHP West Valley office.

The fact is, we'd have a much-reduced quality of life if it weren't for these brave men and women who help keep our communities safe. It's important that they receive a firm pat on the back and the annual Calabasas public safety employee fete is the perfect vehicle to do it.