Rep. Obernolte holds Everyday Heroes event to recognize the heroic actions of 15 first responders and celebrate the service of local police, fire, and EMS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-CA) held his annual Everyday Heroes event on Monday, November 8, to celebrate the work of California’s 8th District law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Joined by San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus, Inland Division Chief for California Highway Patrol Dan Minor, and Fire Chief Dan Munsey from San Bernardino County Fire, as well as by the families of those recognized, Rep. Obernolte awarded Congressional certificates to 15 first responders whose heroic actions over the past year merited recognition for their impact on the community.
“The first responders serving California’s 8th District are the heroes that keep our families and community safe,” said Rep. Obernolte. “I was proud to recognize fifteen of these heroes in particular who have demonstrated exemplary service in the course of their duties during the past year. These brave men and women have responded to hostage situations, taken bullets while guarding our streets, supported and protected our youth, rescued family members in medical crisis, improved safety on our roads, and provided leadership in their units. Thank you to each of these outstanding individuals and to all of our first responders for their dedication and service to California’s 8th District.”
“The men and women of the California Highway Patrol’s Inland Division are proud to serve the people of the 8th Congressional District. I am personally very proud of the work done by the personnel under my command, and it is extremely gratifying to see their efforts recognized by Congressman Obernolte. We cherish the opportunity to work with Congressman Obernolte to make the 8th district a good place to live, work and visit,” said CHP Inland Division Chief Minor.
San Bernardino County Fire Chief Dan Munsey stated, “Congressman Obernolte’s “Everyday Heroes” event acknowledges the dedication and achievements of public safety employees. Captain Spencer Brumbaugh is an exemplary individual dedicated to making a difference in the communities he serves.”
“Jay Obernolte is an amazing example of a public servant. He never waivers in his support for law-enforcement and public safety. Thank you, Jay for honoring the men and women of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at your annual Everyday Hero’s event,” said San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.
See photos from the event here.
The 15 community heroes recognized at this year’s event are as follows:
From the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department:
- Deputy Sheriff Dustin Whitson: On March 21, 2021, Deputy Whitson responded to a call for service about a suspicious vehicle at a storage facility in Hesperia. Upon approaching the vehicle, the subject produced a handgun and without provocation opened fire, striking Dustin and rendering him unconscious on the ground. Dustin was flown to the Loma Linda University Medical Center where he was treated for life threatening injuries by their outstanding trauma crew. Deputy Whitson continues to recover after undergoing multiple surgeries to treat his significant injuries. His determination and will to survive have proved extraordinary despite his initial grave condition.
- Deputy Sheriff Molly Leiker: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Molly worked closely with the Juvenile District Attorney’s Office to foster positive relationships and support the social emotional needs of today’s youth during the unprecedented transition from in-school to virtual learning. She has been highly involved with local school districts in building a strong rapport with CA-08 youth, routinely volunteering and participating in school functions and community oriented policing events like Coffee with a Cop and Shop with a Cop. Her selfless dedication to duty and her overwhelming level of compassion to educate and serve the citizens of San Bernardino County stands out amongst her peers.
- Deputy Sheriff Tiffany Kautz: Tiffany began her career as a Deputy Sheriff in July 2016, and since then has been instrumental in protecting the lives and wellbeing of our children. In 2018, her rapport with students as a School Resource Officer helped to obtain the arrest and conviction of a man who was sexually abusing his stepchildren. She has continued to keep our children safe while assigned to Child and Family Services at the Victorville Sheriff’s station where she has investigated allegations of abuse generated from referrals from outside agencies. In June 2020, Tiffany was involved in a serious traffic collision on her way home from work that caused multiple fatalities and left her with serious injuries. She was able to return to work after several months of rehab and multiple surgeries, and the department continues to be thankful for her service.
- Corporal Brian Wovtovich: As the resident corporal for the Trona station, Brian has used his tenacious attitude to support his deputies and create an open relationship with the residents of Trona. Brian takes pride in living and working in the community and is an integral part of the department. Prior to becoming a Deputy Sheriff, Brian served four years in the U.S. Army.
From San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
- Captain Spencer Brumbaugh: A 14-year-veteran of the department as a firefighter paramedic, member of the Urban Search and Rescue team and flight medic, Spencer was recently involved in a hostage rescue in San Bernardino City. Tasked with assessing the medical status of an elderly person who was being held against her will by an armed individual, Spencer and other officers decided to carry the hostage down a flight of stairs with the gunman still on the loose. Spencer was also called to duty after San Bernardino SWAT officers were struck by gunfire resulting in critical injuries in August. Due to his quick action, short on-scene time and decision to transport, the injured officer is expected to make a full recovery.
From San Bernardino County Probation Department:
- Gina Martinez, Probation Corrections Supervisor II (posthumously): Gina lost her life on September 23, 2021 after 21 years of service for the San Bernardino County Probation Department. She had a vision for the youth in custody, and strove to ensure each youth had a diploma, employment and a place in which they could feel safe and call home. Gina worked with many volunteer organizations and would spend her off-duty time working with the underserved, providing clothing, food, shelter and other resources needed in the community.
From California Highway Patrol Inland Division:
- Officer Garret Morris: As the CHP Arrowhead Area Accident Review Officer, Range/Weapons Instructor and Driving Instructor, Garret goes above and beyond when it comes to supporting the youth in the Mountain Communities. Since 2013, he has volunteered with the Rim of the World High School Racing Team, part of the San Bernardino County STEM program that provides students a safe alternative to illegal street racing. The RIM Racing Team races nationally with the Pacific Streetcar Association, and Officer Morris plays a large role in the student’s motivation and the success of the program.
- Officer Donald Perez: During his 11 years with CHP, Officer Perez has exemplified himself as a patrol officer, a field training officer, and an Officer in Charge, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to help allied agencies and provide leadership amongst his peers. His work as a shift leader for the Barstow area CHP Office has helped to remove impaired drivers from California Highways and earned Officer Perez awards from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
- Officer William Keeshan: Graduating from the CHP Academy in March 2018 and joining the Victorville CHP station in 2020, Officer Keeshan leads his shift in enforcement as well as in assisting motorists in peril. His maturity and common-sense approach to situations has earned him respect from his peers and supervisors and has helped to prevent injury and fatality causing collisions in the High Desert.
- Officer Casey Farwick: An 8-year veteran of CHP, Officer Farwick was involved in an on-duty motorcycle collision on February 6, 2021, where he was ejected from his motorcycle onto the freeway. Officer Farwick worked diligently towards a full recovery and as a result of his determination, strong will and commitment to fulfill his duty to serve, was able to return to full duty ahead of schedule. Additionally, Officer Farwick frequently receives positive comments from the public for going above and beyond the call of duty.
- Officer Aaron Zousel: Throughout his 15-year career representing CHP in Needles, Aaron has consistently provided excellent service to the public. He is humble, professional, knowledgeable, helpful and dedicated to providing safety and security for the public on a daily basis. The community of Needles is grateful for his dedication and many years of service.
From Apple Valley Fire Protection District:
- Fire Captain Bobby Clemmer, Firefighter / Paramedic Chad Baeskins, Engineer Dave Martinez, and Fire Student Brock Arredondo: The crew of Apple Valley Engine 332 demonstrated exemplary service to the community in responding to a call for a male patient experiencing chest pains. While the patient initially appeared stable, his heart rhythm changed shortly after the arrival of the paramedics to a full-blown heart attack with cardiac arrest. These paramedics were able to defibrillate the patient out of cardiac arrest and provide critical treatment while transporting him to St. Mary’s Medical Center. Thanks to this crew’s swift action, the patient was able to make it to the hospital and survive.