A Santa Maria-based California Highway Patrol officer who led efforts to train colleagues both locally and throughout the state about spotting the signs of human trafficking received recognition Wednesday night. 

The Santa Maria Elks held the 54th Law Enforcement Appreciation Night at the local lodge. Members of eight law enforcement agencies shared the spotlight during the annual event.

CHP Officer Maria Barriga, the agency’s Santa Maria-area honoree, performs multiple duties, including public information officer plus school bus officer to ensure that drivers complete their testing and training, Sgt. Sean Kelly said. 

However, Barriga displayed exceptional innovation, leadership and commitment as she focused on combating human trafficking, Kelly said. 

“Her involvement in human trafficking awareness began with something very simple — she recognized a gap in training for road patrol officers,” Kelly said. 

Barriga’s efforts helped bring a victim-centered, trauma-informed training to law enforcement personnel in the region, with the first effort training 180 officers from three counties about how to detect human trafficking. 

In 2025, she served on the CHP’s Human Trafficking Awareness Training Committee as the local effort became a statewide initiative. By the end of 2026, more than 7,000 CHP employees will have received the training, he added. 

“Officer Barriga saw a need, took action and helped turn that need into a meaningful change,” Kelly said. “Her leadership and commitment have made a difference not only in our community but across the state.”

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office singled out Special Duty Deputy/School Resource Deputy Michael Scott Reynoso II for recognition. He handles duties at three Orcutt campuses — Righetti High School, Delta High School and the Mark Richardson Career Technical Education Center. 

“This year’s honoree is someone whose commitment, professionalism and heart for service shine brightly every single day,” Undersheriff Brad Welch said. 

After joining the agency in July 2016, Reynoso held various assignments before becoming a school resource officer at a school he graduated from 15 years ago.

“Deputy Reynoso is deeply engaged in protecting the thousands of students and staff across all three campuses,” Welch said, adding that the role includes dealing with narcotics, student disturbances and truancy. “But he handled each of them with professionalism, patience and sound judgment.”

District Attorney John Savrnoch recognized Supervising Deputy District Attorney Steven Li at the agency’s honoree.

Li serves as the supervisor of the Vulnerable Victims Unit using his legal skills, judgment and commitment to survivors. He also mentors the younger deputy district attorneys.

“For decades, this community will be safer, defendants will be held accountable for the horrible things they do because of the impact that Stephen has had on the prosecutors who will be there long after most of us are retired,” Savrnoch said.

The Santa Maria Police Department singled out Detective Eduardo Servin for recognition, with Cmdr. Daniel Rios calling the top officer “a humble, quiet warrior.”

“He doesn’t seek attention or recognition. He simply shows up, does the work, and he lets his actions speak for him,” Rios said. “Eduardo was selected for his exceptional work ethic, investigative ability and commitment to our community.”

Servin has spent 25 years in the Army, six years on active duty and 19 years with the Army Reserves, including overseas deployments while reaching the rank of master sergeant. 

Deputy Probation Officer Lisette Cruz from the Santa Barbara County Probation Office was chosen by her peers for her dedication, professionalism and commitment to the youths and families she serves, Chief Probation Officer Holly Benton said. 

Cruz works with youths who have committed serious or violent felonies, a role that requires compassion while ensuring accountability.

Officer Robert Wright was recognized by the Guadalupe Police Department. Wright retired from the Sheriff’s Office after previously working as a deputy in Los Angeles and Ventura counties, but returned to duty for an assignment at the Santa Maria Public Airport on behalf of the Guadalupe agency.

Chief Michael Cash noted Wright’s service to others, including those who don’t know they need it. 

“He is what a police officer, sheriff’s deputy, a human being should be, and we’re proud to say he’s our police officer of the year,” Cash said.

Ranger Joshua Palacios for the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department was honored, with the presentation done by Lt. Ruben Ramirez. 

“As many of you know, our department is unique because it includes a law enforcement component, but our mission extends far beyond enforcement,” Ramirez said. “We take great pride in creating a welcoming and safe environment for our community, emphasizing community engagement and providing the highest level of service for the residents.”

Palacios exemplifies those values every day and has made community engagement a priority, Ramirez added.

Palacios starred in a bicycle safety video for the department.

Senior Airman Angela Robson of 30th Security Forces Squadron at Vandenberg Space Force Base was listed as a recipient, but base representatives did not attend the event.