On Feb. 9, at the Santa Maria Elk’s Lodge, the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce will hold its 16th annual Police Awards Luncheon. The event is to be held at noon.
For $17, one can purchase a lunch and attend the event, but there is also the choice of sponsoring an officer, which will pay for his or her lunch.
The police department’s budget isn’t able to finance the luncheon; instead, the event is funded on ticket sales. So Marcy Lariz, who is the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce’s events coordinator, said she hopes “we can count upon the same level of support for this year’s lunch banquet.”
At the annual luncheon, awards will be presented to police officers, support personnel, and members of the community who have excelled in their service to the area.
“Luncheon attendees will hear about the hard work and determination the members of our department provide to our community,” Lariz said in an email. “Attendees will also hear stories of distinguished citizens, in which members of our community have come to the aid of officers or their fellow man.”
In addition, the public will be able to meet their city police officers in a positive atmosphere. Portions of the sales from sponsors and lunches will go toward the purchase of plaques, medals, and certificates that will honor police officers in the future.
Those who want more information about the luncheon can contact Marcy Lariz at either 925-2403, Ext. 816, or marcy@santamaria.com.
Intern Henry Houston compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jan 20-27, 2011.