The Oakdale Rotary Club partnered with the Oakdale Sunrise Rotary Club recently to host a special Appreciation Day for the Oakdale Police Department. All members of the Oakdale Police Department and their guests were invited. Those who were able to attend – just under 100 attendees, including Rotarians – were treated to a delicious lunch at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14.

Oakdale Rotarian Marcus Haney originally presented the idea to the club.

“Oakdale is a great community. The dedicated leadership, officers and staff at the Oakdale Police Department play a major role in this,” Haney pointed out to the club. “The whole community including adults, youth, and our businesses benefit daily from the dedicated commitment of the OPD. It is with respect and admiration we wanted to express our heartfelt appreciation for their service.”

Police Chief Scott Heller handed out awards to honor specific members of the department as part of the Appreciation Day luncheon.

Among the award recipients were: Mike Walsh, Officer of the Year; Rick Plath, Reserve Officer of the Year; Madyson Falconi, Explorer of the Year; Janeen Yates, Professional Staff Employee of the Year; John Richards, Professional Staff Employee of the Year (Part Time); Mark Andrist, Fred Wert Memorial Award and CAPS Volunteer of the Year; Armando Vera, Volunteer of the Year.

Dignitaries and special guests attending included: Rick Schultz, Oakdale Rotary President; Couper Condit, Representative from Assemblyman Heath Flora’s Office; Mike Anderson, District Director from Congressman Jeff Denham’s Office; Patricia O’Brien, Representative from Senator Tom Berryhill’s Office; OPD Lt. Joe Carrillo and OPD Chief Scott Heller.