STOCKTON – Three senior law enforcement officials from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the Stockton Police Department and the California Highway Patrol were honored at the 52nd annual Night of Death Awards Banquet. Italian Athletic Club law enforcement on February 28.

The Officer of the Year awards went to San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Stephen Mitchell, Stockton Police Department Officer Pancho Freer, and Police Officer Jeffrey Steele. California Highway Patrol.

Deputy Stephen Mitchell, San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

“Deputy Mitchell strives for excellence in every assignment and honors his team for their accomplishments. His knowledge, skills and ability to adhere to our office policies and procedures, combined with his sound judgment and interpersonal skills, make him an asset to his position. the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.

Officer Pancho Freer, Stockton Police Department

Stockton Police Officer Freer, who has worked for the Stockton Police Department for 9 years, was also sent to report a disturbance on May 11, 2021, where Officer Jimmy Inn was killed.

“Officer Freer’s actions undoubtedly enabled him to save the life of the child, the Good Samaritan, and enabled him to rescue his partner, Officer Inn. Pancho has a great attitude, work ethic and team spirit,” the Stockton Police Department said in a Facebook post.

Officer Jeffrey Steele, California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol Officer Steele has served the Stockton community for over 20 years. He served five years as a background investigator.

“He is an informal leader among his peers and a valuable resource for helping young officers. In the past year, Constable Steele has issued more than 550 citations to drivers engaging in dangerous driving behavior, investigated 169 traffic accidents, arrested 7 drunk drivers, and assisted 368 stranded motorists,” said the California Highway Patrol in his letter of appointment. “Constable Steele conducts himself with the utmost professionalism and often goes above and beyond in his service to the community. He is highly respected by his peers and superiors. »

The story continues

Nine officers were nominated by their agencies for Officer of the Year. One officer was chosen from each agency for the award by the Italian Athletic Club. Finalists for the awards included:

• San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office: Deputies Brian Merritt and Michael Doble.

• Stockton Police Department: Officers Dane Hib and Seth Powell.

• California Highway Patrol: Officers Antonio Galindo and Santos Romo.

The awards did not take place last year due to COVID-19.

“John Peluso started 52 years ago,” said Dennis Fellin, president of the Italian Athletic Club. “A member of his family was killed, and then he went with the police and these other companies … to help find out who ended up doing this.

“From what I understand they found out, but he enjoyed it and that’s why he started … law enforcement (awards) night to recognize officers for (go) beyond the call of duty.”

“They’re so under-recognized,” he said. “You know, the world we live in is tough now.”

Record journalist Angelaydet Rocha covers breaking news. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: San Joaquin County Top Officers Honored as Officer of the Year