Peninsula Council of Lions honor police and firefighter heros

Pacifica Tribune/no name reporter, 4/3/12. "Two Pacifica Police officers  honored for heroism."

Pacifica hero recognition

"The 47th annual Police and Firefighters Banquet, sponsored by the Peninsula Council of Lions, was held Friday, March 30, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Foster City, with more than 400 people in attendance. 

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier was the keynote speaker and the topic was "Courage and Gallantry."  Police officers and firefighters who serve and protect the communities in San Mateo County were honored. Many received meritorious and service awards.

The Pacifica Police Department was represented by Police Chief Jim Tasa, Captain Fernando Realyvasquez and Captain Joe Stanheimer. Two Pacifica police officers, detectives Scott Avilla and Thomas Cummings, were awarded heroism awards. They were heading north, from Montara, when just ahead of them a head-on collision had happened. In the driver's seat there was a woman bleeding extensively and the engine was on fire. They managed to extract her from the vehicle and summoned an ambulance. Later the woman commended them for saving her life. The Pacifica Lions Club is proud of these two officers for their courage and dedication."

Posted by Kathy Meeh