“Energizer Bunny” honored for service

Costa Mesa Fire Protection Specialist Brenda Emrick has won the prestigious award for individual service from the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board.

Emrick was one of eight winners chosen from a field of 131 nominees from all over Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties. Described as the “Energizer Bunny”by friends and co-workers, she was recognized for innovating and developing programs to teach community members how to prepare for and deal with natural disasters.

“When I looked at the nominees for every single program, it was just amazing seeing all of the great activities and work being done all over LA and Orange County,” said Emrick, who received her award at a luncheon Wednesday at the Grand Long Beach Event Center. “I was honored to be a part of this dynamic group of people.”

Councilwoman Wendy Leece nominated Emrick along with Sgt. Vic Bakkila, who won distinction from the mayor earlier this year for his work helping a homeless woman, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for their collaboration with the Costa Mesa Police Department.

- Alan Blank