On behalf of the Santa Barbara Citizens Council on Crime, the Santa Barbara Police Department invites community members to the 54th Annual H. Thomas Guerry Awards Ceremony.

The event will be 4:30 p.m. May 8 at the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisor’s Hearing Room, fourth floor, County Administration Building, 105 E. Anapamu St.

The H. Thomas Guerry Award for Valor will be presented to Officer Sean Zosimo of the Santa Barbara Police Department

Recipients of awards for Superior Performance are:
Sgt. Matthew Delgado Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Sr. Deputy Dustin Winebrenner of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Officer Ronald Hensic, Jr. of California Highway Patrol (Santa Barbara)
Officer Toby Hall of California Highway Patrol (Buellton)
Sgt. Vincent Magallon of Lompoc Police Department
Cpl. Stephen Best of Santa Maria Police Department
Sr. Deputy Probation Officer Jon Vittone of Santa Barbara County Probation

“We are very proud of all the recipients of these prestigious awards and thank them for their dedicated service to our communities,” the Police Department said.

According to the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation:

“On Jan. 12, 1970, Detective H. Thomas Guerry was conducting an investigation and driving on Chapala Street, the detective noticed two wanted men walking in the area of Ortega Street and Bradbury Avenue.

“As he approached the intersection the wanted men split apart from one another and began to walk back to each side of the front of the police vehicle. As the detective stepped from his vehicle, both wanted subjects opened fire with handguns, fatally wounding Detective Guerry.

“The death of Detective Tom Guerry ripped through the heart of Santa Barbara, as well as the entire region.

“In memory of Tom, the Santa Barbara Citizens Council on Crime established the H. Thomas Guerry award. Each year, law enforcement officers from agencies in the County of Santa Barbara are honored for valor, skill in conflict resolution, and outstanding overall performance.

“The Guerry Award continues to be the most coveted and respected award one can receive in the county. It is through the Guerry Awards that the memory of Tom can be kept alive and his legacy of courage and dedication honored.”