Twice a year, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department honors individuals who have gone above and beyond to save the lives of others.

Last week, several First District deputies, firefighting personnel and citizens were recognized by Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

I would like to take a moment to thank and congratulate each of these heroes for their bravery and selfless service to others.

Deputy Randy Stanley, Sheriff's Medal of Valor: On August 27, 2021, Deputy Stanley was off-duty at a gas station when he noticed a man violently assaulting a customer while trying to carjack their vehicle. When Deputy Stanley came to help, the suspect hit Deputy Stanley in the head with a rock. Despite his injury, he was still able to restrain the suspect until deputies arrived. Additional investigation revealed the suspect had carjacked three additional motorists in Las Vegas before driving to Southern California. 

Dario Juarez, Sheriff's Medal of Meritorious Award: Dario Juarez has been a strong supporter of the Sheriff's Department for over 26 years. Through his work with the Victorville Elks Lodge, Dario helped to create the first San Bernardino County Foot Printer's Chapter in Victorville. He was also a partner in the development and launch of Desert Thunder, a children’s charity. Finally, since 1995, he has worked with the Department’s Inmate Welfare Committee, volunteering his time to ensure inmates had opportunities to make better life choices, and avoid future incarceration. 

Multiple Individuals, Both Awards: On March 23, 2021, Hesperia Station Deputy Dustin Whitson was responding to suspicious person call at a storage facility, when the suspect immediately shot Dustin, stole his handgun and fled. As Dustin lie on the ground suffering from life-threatening injuries, numerous civilians, public safety personnel and doctors worked together to ensure Deputy Whitson received the care and attention he needed. Thanks to the lifesaving efforts of the following individuals, Deputy Whitson is alive today:

• Receiving the Sheriff's Medal of Meritorious Award: Sergeant Jon Anderson Corporal Christopher Mejia, Corporal Cole Raynolds, Deputy Evan Todd, Deputy Wyatt Stanley, Deputy Daniel Garcia, San Bernardino County Fire Captain Brett Marshall, San Bernardino County Fire Captain Jay Hausman, San Bernardino County Fire Engineer Mike Demoff, San Bernardino County Fire Paramedic Andy Walk, San Bernardino County Fire Paramedic Carlos Topete, San Bernardino County Fire Paramedic Jacob Sobrito, San Bernardino County Fire Engineer Jeremy Pendercraft
• Receiving the Sheriff's Medal of Valor: Sarah Haines, Thomas Eagle, Nicholas Puoci, Elvia Duque, Dr. Meghan Cochran-Yu, Lieutenant Daniel Futscher, Detective Felix Arreola, Deputy Ty James, Deputy Gerard Ciani, Deputy Corey Lawrence.