South County police and fire officials took a couple hours out of their busy schedules of nabbing bad guys, keeping the peace and extinguishing fires to honor some of their own today.
Eight civil servants received awards for going above and beyond the call of duty at an annual lunch held by the Exchange Club of Gilroy. Each Blue and Gold awardee received a plaque and recognition from their peers and superiors.
The Exchange Club also bestowed a special award upon one of Gilroy's unsung heroes, a man who "everyone goes to when they need help in this city," Councilman and past president Dion Bracco said. "He doesn't know the words 'I can't.'" John Garcia accepted the Book of Golden Deeds Award with modesty, simply saying: "I try to make a difference to anyone that needs help and I'll do that to my grave."
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Opening remarks by Mayor Al Pinheiro
Recognition of Guests by Gilroy Exchange Club President Tom Cline
Invocation by Malcolm MacPhail
Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem
Explanation of Exchange Club by Eleanor Villareal
Presentation of Book of Golden Deeds Award to Gilroy Recreation Supervisor John Garcia
Presentation of award to Gilroy Fire Captain Shaun Peyghambary
Presentation of award to Santa Clara County Fire Battalion Chief Steve Prziborowski
Presentation of award to Cal Fire Captain Jeff Isaacs
Presentation of award to Morgan Hill Police officer Steve Pennington
Presentation of award to Sheriff Sgt. Alan Holborn
Presentation of award to CHP officer Matt Peters
Unfortunately, the presentation of awards to Gilroy officers John Ballard and Jason Smith were not captured on video. We regret any inconvenience this may cause.
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