It was a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection at the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Annual Awards Banquet. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association gave special recognition to members and department staff during their banquet. Those honored throughout the evening were: Rip Masseli, Reserve Deputy of the Year; Stephanie Marsh and Nora Jones, Civilian Staff Members of the Year; and Det. Duane Cornett, Det. Bill Meek, and Sgt. Jerry Mayberry, Detention’s Officers of the Year.

2009 promises to be an exciting year for the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Board, which was installed by Judge Paul Vortman during the evening of festivities. A raffle drawing held during the banquet raised money for the Kaweah Delta Hospital Neo-Natal unit. All of the proceeds raised from the raffle, along with donations from the Tulare County Deputy Sheriff’s Association (approximately $4,000) will be donated to the hospital.

Twenty participants from Fresno, Madera, Exeter, Hanford, Kingsburg, Selma, Tulare, and Visalia climbed into the saddles of their motorcycles on October 18 to face each other down in a contest of riding skill.

It was Bret Miller’s second annual Central California Police Motorcycle Competition: the Motorcycle Rodeo, sponsored by Independent Towing, Harley-Davidson, 99.7 Classic Rock, and Holiday Inn.

These cowboys were judged on their speed and accuracy riding a 600-cone course. Each rider had four chances to get through the course with the best time. Riders used their skill to avoid time penalties such as hitting a cone, putting a food down, deviating from the course, or letting the bike drop to the ground—the most damaging penalty, disqualifying the rider and awarding them with a score of zero.

Not all of the best times were the fastest, either. In the slow ride competition, riders compete to ride the course as slow as they can without putting a foot down or dropping the bike.

Other competitions were in Harley Novice, Harley Expert, Metric Novice, Metric Expert and Best Overall categories.

The top performers for the competition were for:
• Harley Novice: Brent Cederquist at a time of 2:05
• Harley Expert: Shawn Cardoza at a time of 2:04
• Metric Novice: Alfred Fuentes at a time of 2:19:28
• Metric Expert: Ritchie O’dell at a time of 1:57
• Best Overall (obstacle and slow ride course) was Shawn Cardoza.

The event was a lot of fun for all who participated and next year’s Motorcycle Rodeo is already scheduled for October 9 and 10, so mark your calendars now and rev up your engines.

The Central California Blood Center hosted its seventh annual Battle of the Badge event in Visalia November 3rd through the 11th to bring in donors for the always-needed blood supply. The event was supported by local law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies. Each agency vied to bring in the most donors. The winning team won bragging rights, a traveling trophy and a winner’s luncheon.

To add to the challenge there was a side bet between the Visalia Police Chief and the Visalia Fire Chief over who could bring in the most donors. The losing team’s chief would have to wash the winning chief’s car! In the end the PD Chief won that bet. The car wash hadn’t happened as of press time, but we will be sure to get pictures of it!

The event was a huge hit and a lot of fun going towards a great cause! It helped bring the supply back up to normal but they still need more. Each pint can save two lives, according to the Blood Center. The 1,884 participants from all over the surrounding areas were able to make a big difference! It was a great success.

If you would like to help:
The Central California Blood Center is at 1515 S. Mooney in Visalia. If you’d like to help, call 559.625.3121 to set up an appointment to donate. Your help is always needed.