Exchange honors police, fire

It was like the Oscars of law enforcement and firefighting Saturday evening in Corning as honorees stood before a crowd of their peers and acknowledged their awards, some with a simple "thank you," and others a bit more loquacious.

"These are the men and women running into a dangerous situation when everyone else is running away," said Linda Watkins Bennett, of KHSL News.

Bennett served as master of ceremonies to the annual Exchange Club Fireman and Policeman Awards Dinner held at the Veterans Memorial Hall.

During the evening 12 people who are "one the line," serving the residents of Tehama County and its cities were recognized.

Each of the police officers and firefighters honored received a plaque and two certificates, one from U.S. Rep. Wally Herger, R-Chico, the other from Assemblyman Jim Nielsen, R-Gerber.

Corning's "Police Officer of the Year," was Dave Pryatel, a nine-year veteran with the department. Presenting Pryatel's award was police Chief Tony Cardenas.

"Officer Pryatel exemplifies what our department wants in an officer," he said, "During his years with the department he has matured and developed his investigative and tactical skills. He is a person who truly wants to make his community a better and safer place."

Pryatel is currently serving as the Corning Union High School District Resource Officer, which Cardenas referred to as an "important job in which Dave is doing an outstanding job."

Corning Volunteer Firefighter Jerry Duby was presented the "Fireman of the Year" award by Fire Chief Martin Spannaus.

"Jerry's fellow firemen voted for him to receive this award," Spannaus said. "He has been a volunteer since 1994 and became a captain in 2007. Jerry has a can do attitude and is one of the department's only EMTs (emer

gency medical technician)."

Another local award recipients was Corning police cadet Juan Badillo, who was presented the "Cadet of the Year" plaque by cadet supervisor Officer Jeremiah Fears. Badillo is also a student at Corning High School and holds down a job.

Jim Allen, a Tehama County volunteer firefighter for Station 12 in Corning, was awarded his department's "Firefighter of the Year" award.

"Jim is a 30-year veteran who, because of his outstanding dedication, has received this award three times before. He is a great mentor and has responded to more calls than any other volunteer," fellow firefighter Fred Imfeld said as he presented the award.

Other recipients were:

Red Bluff Police Department: Sgt. Dan Flowerdew was presented the "Officer of the Year" award by Chief Paul Nanfito.

Red Bluff Fire Department: Vern Raglin was the recipient of the "Firefighter of the Year" award.

District Attorney of Tehama County: Eric Clay was presented the "Investigator of the Year" award by District Attorney Gregg Cohen.

Tehama County Sheriff's Department: Sheriff Clay Parker presented Sgt. Kyle Lovelady with the "Deputy of the Year" award, and Parker also presented the "STARS Officer of the Year" to the entire STARS group.

California Highway Patrol: Dave A. Madrigal was presented the "Officer of the Year" award by Lt. Harry Linschoten.

CalFire: Helicopter pilot Jim Costa was presented the "Fireman of the Year" award by Randy Fregoso.

Tehama County Fire Department Company No. 1: Walt Williams received the "Volunteer of the Year" award.