Local officers, firefighters honored for bravery and dedication to the community in annual luncheon

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Bravery, humility and dedication are just some of the qualities of the men and women who serve the Palm Springs community in the police and fire departments.

Palm Springs police officers and firefighters are being honored for serving the community. Many received awards at the Palm Springs Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday.

The sold out event is hosted by the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and held at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The annual event brings together residents, family, business leaders and City officials to pay tribute to the men and women who bravely serve on the front lines to protect the Palm Springs community.

News Channel 3's recently named "Neighborhood Hero" Jared Rogers, an engineer paramedic with Palm Springs Fire Station 2, will receive his Medal of Valor for saving the life of a fellow firefighter. Rogers is just one award among the many receiving honors during the luncheon.

David Etchason, a K-9 officer with PSPD, was recognized as the Officer of the Year – something he calls "a great achievement."

"Honestly, I couldn’t have achieved this award without the team, without the actual police department themselves," Etchason said. "So it’s not all me, it’s a team effort.”

Palm Springs PD Police Chief Andy Mills said Etchason is in 10% of police officers who come in and work hard to do their job every day.

“David Etchason is literally one of the best cops I’ve ever worked around," Mills said. "He just has that knack and that ability to relentlessly go after crooks, and that’s exactly what people we want to hold up and say this is who you want to be like.”

“It’s great words to hear from [Mills], because that man, he’s done it for 44 years and he knows everything about policing in my opinion, so it’s a huge accomplishment to get those words from him,” Etchason said.

While police officers and firefighters were honored for their service and dedication, the departments also recognized people who have a large impact from behind the scenes. Seth Cabrera is one of these recognized servicemen who was named the 2024 Honorary Firefighter.

His brother, Trevyn Cabrera, said this moment was emotional for the family. Trevyn is a firefighter with the PSFD and has seen his older brother Seth look up to firemen and police officers his whole life. He said this accomplishment is more than deserved.

“It’s like a dream come true, to be honest," Trevyn said.

“Just thank you for the fire department," Seth said.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear about the appreciation luncheon, and to hear from those who serve the Valley community.