Community turns out for celebration of SLT Police Department's 50th anniversary

The first South Lake Tahoe Police Department community gathering was a successful one on Saturday as the 50th anniversary of the department was celebrated with hundreds of people at Lakeview Commons. There were rides on both the police and fire boats, a concert, BBQ, interactions with the police K-9s, booths, fingerprinting and an awards ceremony.

Going above and beyond the call of duty was recognized with awards to both staff members and the public.

A Citizen Award of Merit was presented to Andrew Stone by SLTPD Detective Jeff Roberson. Andrew saw a suspect attacking and head-butting Roberson and called out to the detective when he saw that suspect try and grab his gun. That suspect wasn't able to get the gun, so tried for the baton. Andrew jumped in and grabbed the baton.

Meritorious Service Awards were given to SLTPD's marine officers Heather Carlquist and Steve O'Brien. On July 24, 2016, the officers responded to the call of an accident near Emerald Bay where a 22-year-old woman was entangled in the propellers of a speed boat. They dove in to free the badly mangled victim and get her onto the boat. All tourniquets on board were used and they couldn't stop the bleeding. The marine officers used ropes and anything they could get their hands on. Hours later the doctor who worked on her in Reno called SLTPD to tell them the two officer saved her leg, and her life.

A Meritorious Service Award was given to SLTPD Evidence Technician Larry Tomer. Tomer was on vacation at Crowley Lake to get in fishing when a storm came in and capsized a boat that had four men on it. He heard the call for help and responded with his boat and got all of those men safely inside. They were treated for hypothermia but all survived thanks to Tomer's quick thinking and determination to save their lives.

Eight-year-old Philip Hunh was given an award for "bravery and sound judgement" for his going to the aid of his grandmother. On January 7, 2017 she became ill and was unconscious. Coming from Vietnam, a country that doesn't trust their police, Philip learned the importance in school of calling 911 in emergencies. He made the call but responding police couldn't find the home. Philip ran outside in his Spiderman pajamas to flag down the officers. He was also able to translate for his grandmother to the responding paramedics. As a reward, the SLT Police Officers Association is sponsoring his birthday party at the bowling alley.

SLTPD also honored Lisa Maloff for her donation to add a third K-9 officer and dog, Ricci, to the force. She also gave money to buy bullet-proof vests for all of the dogs. The SLTPD K-9s have responded to 60 requests for their services over the last year as well as participated in over 20 public demonstrations.

Distinguished Service honors were given to Administrative Assistant Crystal Burby. She is Chief Brian Uhler's assistant and continually goes above and beyond her duties to keep the department together.

FBI Special Agent Glenn Norling, who has covered the South Lake Tahoe area since 2012, presented Chief Uhler a flag that was flown over Washington, D.C. and a framed commemoration for the department's accomplishments.

El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and California Highway Patrol, El Dorado County dispatch and volunteer dispatchers covered the City so the whole department could participate in the celebration.

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue provided the BBQ.