The Pima County Sheriff’s Department recognized dozens of staffers as well as members of the community during its 31st annual awards ceremony Friday.
Honors were reserved for members of the organization who have displayed exemplary levels of service as well as those in the community who have supported the Sheriff’s Department.
The medal of honor was awarded to Sgt. Brian Kunze, who was also one of four to receive a purple heart award. Other purple heart recipients include deputies Koby Knodle, Travis Rice and Jesus Vivaldo.
The medal of valor was given to deputies Richard Coz and Kurt Schumacher. Deputies Russell Gibson and Jairo Tadeo were honored with medals of merit.
Deputies Adrian Gallo and Joe Serrano, who rescued a woman from a burning truck, were presented with Carnegie Hero medals from the national Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
The following teams were recognized with the Sheriff’s Unit Commendation: domestic violence, motorcycle, recruiting, SAV patrol, SCHAAD task force, school resource officers and the TARNOW task force.
Public safety achievement medals were awarded to 20 law enforcement officers of various ranks; a dozen community members received citizen medals; and nearly three dozen others were given sheriff’s commendation certificates.
Nine people were also honored with public service achievement medals.
Special recognitions went to Janet Hearn — Friends of the Benson Library, Pima County Chief Information Officer Jesse Rodriguez, and Stacey Roseberry, Deputy County Attorney from the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
