Lancaster Baptist Church hosted a special May 2 event to mark First Responders Appreciation Day which also included staff from California State Prison – Los Angeles County (LAC). They joined others from regional fire and police departments as well as medical and emergency response.
Lancaster church honors first responders
During the ceremony, LAC Lt. Karla Graves was awarded Officer of the Year. Also attending from LAC were Warden R.C. Johnson, Chief Deputy Warden Donald Ulstad, and Associate Warden Teresa Lewandowski.
“In recognition of your hard work, dedication, and leadership, thank you for going above and beyond the call of duty. You are recognized for your service and dedication to the safety of our community on First Responders Appreciation Day,” the presenter said.
Popsicles of appreciation at LAC
Meanwhile, back at LAC, captains handed out Popsicles as tokens of gratitude during National Correctional Officers and Nurses Week.
Fallen officers remembered
On May 11, the City of Palmdale held a socially-distanced Peace Officers Memorial Day ceremony at Poncitlán Square. The event was also broadcast on the city’s Facebook page. In addition to CDCR, Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers also attended.
Palmdale Mayor Steve Hofbauer presented a proclamation to CDCR Correctional Counselor III Nathan Wilcox. Others receiving proclamations were Capt. Ron Shaffer, of the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station, and Capt. Eric Broneer of Antelope Valley CHP.
Dignitaries from the offices of Congressman Mike Garcia, State Senator Scott Wilk, Assemblyman Tom Lackey and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger presented certificates to each Agency.
Wilcox expressed a deep-felt of gratitude to the City of Palmdale for including CDCR. Wilcox honored Correctional Officer George Solis who died from COVID-19 on Dec. 24, 2020.
Story by Lt. Karla Graves
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