From the Riverside Press Enterprise:
United States Army Capt. Michael Krayer was the keynote speaker at the American Legion Law and Order awards banquet presented Saturday by Harold W. Hyland Post 53.
Krayer discussed the meaning of courage and valor in the military and how the same honorable qualities carry over into civilian life for our public safety personnel.
“Although circumstances are different than what takes place on the streets of Hemet, these individuals show the same courage and valor,” Krayer said. “They go over and beyond and display courage every day to safeguard the lives of others.”
Master of Ceremonies Joel Ortiz chaired the event for the eighth year. About 180 guests were treated to a catered dinner from Apple Dumplin’s Bakery Café in Oak Glen before recognizing this year’s recipients.
Citizens of the year were American Medical Response paramedic Rafael Serrano, Hemet Police Department volunteer Gary Hess and Hemet Fire Department volunteer Nancy Jackson. Hess donated 771 hours to the Police Department in 2011. Jackson volunteers with many community organizations and has devoted 490 hours to the Fire Department since she started in 2008.
Awards of merit were presented to AMR paramedic Robert Genn, Hemet Police Officer Rene McNish and Hemet fire Apparatus Engineer David Prietto.
AMR paramedic Brian Stites and Hemet firefighter Dominick Fiorenza received awards of valor.
“This is the first year we have partnered with American Legion on this event,” Hemet Sunset Rotary Club Past President Bob Duistermars said.
Twice a year the club honors a Valley Hero and incorporated one into this event because it was Hemet police Lt. Duane Wisehart and it fit the theme perfectly.