NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Sunday, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced his recipients for the Fifth Congressional District’s Public Safety Hero Award.

Each year, Thompson honors law enforcement officers and first responders in our community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

For Lake County, Elona Porter, evidence technician supervisor and lead crime scene investigator for Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and Cal Fire Capt. Richard Lawler, stationed at Clearlake Oaks Fire Station have been selected.

“In our district and across our state, this year has been a challenging one for our law enforcement and first responders. From devastating fires to tragic incidents, our men and women have responded to countless incidents, putting their life on the line to keep us safe,” said Thompson. “That’s why I am again humbled to present my annual Public Safety Hero award to our local champions and honor the courageous service they preform day in and day out. It is a distinct honor to represent so many dedicated and heroic public servants.”

Each year, Thompson honors one local law enforcement officer and one local first responder from each county with the Public Safety Hero award.

Elona Porter is being honored for her exceptional standards assisting investigations. She is one of our state’s leading experts in crime scene investigations. She is also training the next generation of investigators and volunteers with our local students.

Capt. Richard Lawler has been an indispensable leader in responses to fires across our region, including the Tubbs Fire, the Pawnee Fire and the Mendocino Complex Fires. He is also a mentor for up-and-coming first responders.

A veteran, Lawler has an incredible record of public service from Operation Desert Storm, to the Forest Service, and currently to Cal Fire.

“It is an honor to recognize Elona Porter and Capt. Richard Lawler as Public Safety Heroes for Lake County,” said Thompson. “They have dedicated their lives to public service, meeting the highest standards of excellence in their field and rising to meet every challenge, even putting their lives on the line. They are true heroes and it is my honor to join them in bettering the lives of people across our county.”

In additions to the 10 honorees from each of the counties Thompson represents, Thompson also honored entrepreneur and celebrity chef Guy Fieri with a special Public Safety Hero award in honor of his work to provide meals and support during the recent fires.

“Guy is a hometown hero – both for his support of our economy in starting businesses right in the heart of our district and for his humanitarian work to provide food to first responders and fire survivors,” said Thompson. “Fieri’s work has been exceptional and instrumental to helping our local public servants and facilitating evacuations during our community’s many recent fires. It’s my honor to recognize his work today.”

The full list of the Public Safety Heroes of the Year for the 5th Congressional District is below:

– Corporal Ryan Baille, Martinez Police Department.
– Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods, Contra Costa Fire Protection District.
– Elona Porter, evidence technician supervisor and lead crime scene investigator for Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
– Fire Capt. Richard Lawler, Cal Fire, Clearlake Oaks Fire Station.
– Deputy Steven Lombardi, Napa County Sheriff’s Department.
– Capt. Steve Becker, Napa Fire Department.
– Corporal Ritzie Tolentino, Vallejo Police Department.
– Daniela Flores, Solano EMT and Medic Ambulance.
– Cristina Montoya, Cotati Police dispatcher and clerk.
– Capt. Don Ricci, Santa Rosa Fire Department.
– Guy Fieri, celebrity chef and local second responder

Thompson represents California’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma counties.