On Tuesday, May 5, 2009, four Sacramento Police Officers and one Sacramento Police Sergeant will be recognized for their distinguished service at the 10^th Annual Public Safety & Community Appreciation Breakfast, at 7:00 a.m., at the Radisson Hotel.  Officers Sunny Cranford, Helen Mortlock, Jason Nollette, Victor Wolfe, and Sergeant Glen Faulkner will receive the "Above & Beyond" Award, presented by Sacramento Rotary, for their efforts in support of a local family in crisis.

On St. Patrick's Day, the officers responded to a 9-1-1 call from a 9 year old.  The officers arrived on scene to see the caller's father administering CPR to the caller's mother.   Sacramento Fire Department medics transported her to the hospital where she later died from complications associated with her diabetes.  At the hospital, the 9-year-old apologized to officers and thanked them for trying to help her mother.  The victim left behind a 9-year-old daughter (soon to turn 10), a 7-month-old daughter, and their father, who was recently laid off from his job. 

This unfortunate set of circumstances prompted the officers to take up a collection for the 9-year-old's upcoming birthday.  They had originally hoped to obtain enough funds to purchase her a bicycle, a helmet and some clothes for the baby.  Their efforts yielded so much more.  On April 13, 2009, at an Easter celebration, the officers delivered, a bicycle for the 10-year-old, a bicycle for her father, helmets for them both, bike locks, school supplies, toys, baby clothes, baby food, diapers, and Target gift cards.  They also presented her father with $3,700.  The officers truly went "Above & Beyond" to help a family in need.

As part of the Rotary Club award, $1,000 is given to the charity of the recipient's choice.  The officers have chosen to donate the money to college funds for the girls.  These college trust funds have been set up by their father through the Chase Bank.  Donations can be made to trust fund accounts 9566409079 and 9566409061.

The Sacramento Police Department is extremely proud of the hard work and dedication of these officers and all employees who contributed to helping this family.