Awards Presented at Elks Appreciation Dinner to Law Enforcement and Firefighters Protecting San Juan Capistrano Residents

At Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge No. 2444 (“Elks Lodge”) South Orange County Law Enforcement and Firefighter Appreciation Awards Dinner, Investigator Edward Manhart was recognized as San Juan Capistrano Deputy of the Year, Officer Steve Miles as California Highway Patrol Officer of the Year and OCFA Battalion 6 Firefighters of the Year were Captain Craig Covey and Reserve Firefighter Frank Freer (not present at the event). The event was attended by over 150 firefighters and law enforcement personnel. Also in attendance were family members of the personnel being recognized for their work over the past year, eleven top police officials, seven top OCFA officials and the Mayors of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills and Mission Viejo. A total of eighteen awards were presented to law enforcement and firefighter personnel representing nineteen South Orange County communities.

The honored guests were welcomed by Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler (“ER”) and San Juan Capistrano resident Harvey Boelts. Following the welcome, four members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard presented the colors and led the pledge of allegiance to the America Flag. Elk member volunteers prepared the Awards Dinner which was served by members of Girl Scout Troop 261.

Elks Lodge ER Harvey Boelts said, “All of the law enforcement and firefighters given awards tonight would say that they were just doing their job. The rest of us know that putting your life on the line to serve and protect others is much more than just doing your job. On behalf of the nine hundred twenty three (923) members of this Elks Lodge, I say thank you”.

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge No. 2444, celebrating forty-three (43) years of service to the Saddleback Valley communities, is one of ten lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 145 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”