MCSO holds awards ceremony
Wendy Alexander/The Madera Tribune
Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue swears in new hires and those promoting during a Swearing-In, Promotions and Awards Ceremony at Madera South High School on June 29.
Newly re-elected Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office held a swearing-in, promotions and awards ceremony at Madera South High School last week.
Pogue was excited to be able to begin hosting these ceremonies in more public places. During the pandemic, it wasn’t allowed so having a ceremony on June 29 was extra special.
“These ceremonies are special milestones in our careers, and celebrating them is important and we are so grateful you’re here to celebrate with us,” Pogue told the audience. “I love seeing the faces of the families. Seeing the beaming smiles and the overflowing pride and love reminds me each time why we are here. Having the opportunity to meet the families and celebrate the well-earned accomplishments is humbling and reenergizing.”
Pogue reinforced that although the deputies were the ones getting recognized, their job couldn’t be done without the support of the people behind the scenes.
“But it’s not just them that sacrifice,” he said. “You, the family and loved ones, share in the sacrifice in the spirit of service. I wanted to take a moment and tell you how much we also appreciate the families who support us. Don’t ever doubt how much your support means to this office and our profession. Today we honor you as well. Your love and support of these in front of you allows us to accomplish the mission. Without your support and devotion, none of them would be here today.”
Pogue gave out awards to six officers and announced promotions to five while swearing in 17 new hires.
Awards
Pogue honored Deputy William Vanderpoel with a Life Saving Medal. In addition, Sergeant Matthew Kutz, Deputy Jonah Graves, Deputy Daniel Grever, Deputy Joseph Wood and Deputy Jose Garcia were given commendations.
Promotions
Receiving promotions were corporal Charles Robertson, administrative analyst Patricia Retton and Annette Wilson and program assistants II Lucia Yanez and Isenia Guillen.
“Working for a Sheriff’s office is one of most challenging careers out there,” Pogue said. “It takes a special person with a special disposition to fill these roles. Community expectations are sometimes unreasonable and the pressures placed upon staff do not go unnoticed. It often means missing Christmas’s, birthdays, anniversaries and school functions.
“Today we honor five people who took that challenge head on and demonstrate leadership and ingenuity everyday. They perform their service with Integrity and respect while developing partnerships with the community. These are the four values of the Madera Sheriff’s Office and I’m proud to have the opportunity to recognize them for their achievements today.”
New hires
Finally, Pogue honored 17 new hires to the MCSO.
“Swearing in ceremonies are special occasions,” he said. “It’s one of those days that are burned into memory as it’s the start of something life changing. Working in and for law enforcement isn’t just a job. For better or worse, it’s a life altering shift for not only the employee, but their entire family.”
New hires are: deputy Alfonso Perez, deputy Ronald Aguilar, deputy Alan Garcia, deputy Megan Smith, deputy coronor Patricia Olvera, correctional officer Manuel Perez, correctional officer Celeste Perry, correctional officer Armando Ruiz, reserve deputy Matthew Souder, communications dispatcher Brook Strickland, program assistant Joy Gallegos, program assistant Lourdes Nunez, chaplains Don Hargis, Ron Shaw, Sue Shaw, Mansel Trimble and Eric Vollmer.
“One thing I’ve always availed myself to during events like these, is I take the opportunity to look at the fresh faces of our future,” Pogue said. “Their zeal and eagerness to serve their communities absolutely renews my faith in our profession.
“As long as we have intelligent and enthusiastic people stepping up to continue our legacy, the future of our organization will continue to thrive.”
