Heroes in uniform were the toast of the town as the Sheriff's Office commemorated the valor and vigilance of its finest from the year gone by. At the annual ceremony on Wednesday, the department doled out its highest honors to deputies and detectives whose bravery and quick-thinking saved lives and exemplified law enforcement's dedication to public service.

Among the recognized were the gallant eight who received the Medal of Valor, reserved for those who risked their safety for the welfare of others. Deputy Eason, Detective Eggleston, Deputy Huskisson, Deputy Keen, Deputy McBride, Deputy O’Connor, Deputy Sloboda, and Sgt. Swanson earned this distinguished award, as reported by the Sheriff's Office.

Life hangs by a thread in critical moments, and the Lifesaving Awards went to those who pulled it taut against the specter of death. Deputy Hodges, Deputy Isherwood, Deputy Keirsey, Deputy McKoy, and Deputy Moore, alongside Deputy O'Connor, Sgt. O’Day, Deputy Quesada, Sgt. Ritter and Deputy Saunders were lauded for their life-preserving actions, as their deeds affirmed their pledge to protect and serve.

A salute to excellence in service didn't stop there, Deputy Reynolds, Detective Strand, Sgt. Wilson and Detective Zacher bagged the Meritorious Service Award, a nod to their exceptional work. Not to be overlooked are the public servants – Chaplain Vermace, Nollie Strohmaier, and Marcus Washington – who received the Public Service Award for their outstanding commitment to law enforcement.

The spotlight also shined on teamwork with the Unit Commendation recognizing the Personnel Unit and the Search and Rescue Team for achievements that uplifted the Sheriff's Office. Rounding out the recognitions were those who garnered the Sheriff's Office Commendation for deeds that surpassed their daily call of duty, solidifying the ceremony as a montage of courage, commitment, and community.