Awarding public safety

Deepa Bharath

COSTA MESA -- Curt Yoder believes he was born to serve the community.

The Costa Mesa fire captain, who won the 2000 Firefighter of the Year

Award on Friday, dedicated the honor to his late father, who died in the

line of duty 17 years ago as a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire

Department.

Yoder was one of 10 recipients at the 38th annual Public Safety Awards

presented at a special ceremony at the Westin South Coast Plaza on Friday

afternoon.

Yoder, who has worked 21 years at the Costa Mesa Fire Department, said

he was inspired by his father’s heroic example.

“I know he would’ve wanted me to continue, to follow his footsteps,”

said Yoder, who comes from a family of firefighters. His uncle is retired

from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and his brother is serving as

a battalion chief for the Los Angeles Fire Department.

It was also a day to celebrate for Costa Mesa Police Sgt. Don Holford,

who was named Officer of the Year.

“It’s a great honor,” said Holford, who was transferred from

Westminster to Costa Mesa in 1988. “It’s good to be recognized for all

the hard work.”

But both Yoder and Holford said teamwork has played a significant role

in their success.

“These people I work with are dynamite,” he said. “I feel honored I

was chosen from a group of such competent officers.”

The awards are a great morale booster for employees, said Police Chief

Dave Snowden.

“It gives people a chance to view them as the stars of our

department,” he said. “It also lets the officers know they are

appreciated for all the great work they do.”

It also helps them take pride in their work, said Fire Chief Jim

Ellis.

“These are people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty,” he

said. “It’s like a shot in the arm, helps you walk a little taller.”

Volunteer of the Year Bobbie Hedrick said she has never received a

similar honor in her lifetime.

“This means more than anything in the world to me,” she said. “I’m

just glad I can help people out.”

AT A GLANCE

Award Recipients

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Officer of the Year: Sgt. Don Holford

Civilian of the Year: Jody Gonzalez

Volunteer of the Year: Ruth “Bobbie” Hedrick

Reserve Officer of the Year: Rene Meng

Life Saving Award: Joyce LaPointe, Stephanie Mattiaccia and Chris

Messina

10-851 Award for Recovery of Stolen Vehicles awarded by the Automobile

Club of Southern California: Officer Jerry Hildeman

FIRE DEPARTMENT

Firefighter of the Year: Capt. Curt Yoder

COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Communications Officer of the Year: Dawna Myers