Chamber of Commerce Honors Local Heroes
The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 15th Annual Peace Officer and Public Safety Recognition and Awards luncheon. The event held at the JW Marriot Desert Springs Resort, honored over 64 local men and women, and 2 dogs of law enforcement and emergency services.
With each award, a remarkable story of courage and service was shared. Corrina Langerica was involved in an off-road crash in March that could have proved deadly. “The chances could’ve been that the vehicle rolled on me, or I would’ve been pinned under for a long period of time,” said Langerica. “Maybe, possibly even died from this.”
She is alive because of the quick thinking and bravery of paramedic Timothy Beverlin and firefighter Daniel Lerma. The two men hiked to the desolate location of the crash and lifted the vehicle off of her. She got a chance to thank them at the awards ceremony. She presented both men with “Firefighter of the Year” awards for Riverside County Fire-East Coachella Valley. Her attendance was a surprise for the men who saved her. “Normally we don’t get to see the patients after we send them off to the hospital,” said Beverlin. “For her to come out here today and honor us was actually wonderful.”
It’s no mistake the event was held during the week of Thanksgiving. “They are specifically the ones who protect us all,” said Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce CEO, Jay Chesterton. “And, in this week when they probably deserve the thanks the most, it’s a pleasure to do at this particular time.”
Also among the award reciepients was Palm Springs police officer Luciano Colantuono. His canine partner, Ike died in a gunfight in April. “You know I’m honored to have this award,” said Colantuono. “Sometimes you look back, sometimes you’d rather have your partner back here, but you know remembering him, and what he’s done, and honoring what he’s done is better than remembering our last days together, so this is a great honor to take home.”
Three members of the Cathedral City police department received a rare award, the Medal of Valor. Alberto Ochoa, Alfredo Luna, and Alan Lemus received the award for their efforts in trying to save the life of fellow officer Jermaine Gibson. His death remains a somber reminder of the risk these men and women take everytime they put on the uniform.
