Elks Present Awards To Top Police, Fire, Volunteers

By BRIAN CORNETT

The Progress

Mesquite’s top policemen, firefighters and volunteers were honored at a luncheon held on Tuesday, April 25 at the Mesquite Elks Lodge. The annual event, hosted by the Elks lodge #2811, provides a forum for the recognition of the year’s outstanding officers and volunteers.

The event attracted a large group of people, including Mesquite Mayor Al Litman and City Council member Wes Boger.

Mayor Litman spoke briefly and lauded the efforts of the police and fire departments as well as the volunteers who support their efforts.

After a light lunch was served by the Elks volunteers, this year’s awards were presented. Manuel Talahytewa was named Fire Fighter of the Year. Mike Robertson received the Volunteer of the Year award. The police department’s top award went to Detective Andrew Castenada. Shari Hoove and Darrell Myers shared the department’s Volunteer of the Year designation.

A special 9/11 Medal of Valor was presented to Mickey Geneora, a retired member of the New York City Fire Department. Mickey was deeply involved in the tragic events of 9/11 and worked for several years in the clean-up of the twin towers site.