Everyone who reads this should know who Guy Fieri is. If you don’t, ask anyone and they’ll tell you that he is a world class chef, the host of several hit TV cooking shows, and a restaurateur with outstanding eating establishments all over the world.

What many here in Lake County may not know, is that Guy also calls Lake County home, and he is a very generous supporter of our community.

During the Valley fire, Guy made a point to visit our first responders, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, the prison kitchen crew, and support staff at the command post in Lakeport.

His appearance and words of encouragement went a long way towards motivating these people. It served to reinforce the seriousness of the situation, and to show everyone how important their efforts were to this community. Guy even provided meals and food to the evacuation shelters for those who had been displaced.

This holiday season marks the second year in a row that Guy has personally purchased a truckload of toys and bikes for children right here in Lake County.

Now, when I say a “truckload,” I mean a truckload … literally.

With the help of some very dedicated and caring community members, these bikes and toys were delivered to foster children, children who have been victims or witnesses of crimes, and other needy children in our communities this holiday season.

Guy’s generosity and caring for our community and its children is commendable and very much appreciated.

My purpose for writing this letter is to thank Guy, and to share with this community the great things that he has done, and continues to do for the people of Lake County.

I am proud to call Guy my friend and on behalf of the people of Lake County, I want to thank him for all he does.

Brian Martin is sheriff of Lake County, Calif.