Special thank you to our Sponsors!
This event could not happen without these amazing organizations giving their resources to say THANK YOU to all of our Rancho Cucamonga Public Safety Departments, Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department, Rancho Cucamonga Police Department, and Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center.
Firefighter of the Year, Daniel Carson come on up
Daniel Carson was hired by the Fire District in 2003 and throughout his career he has been involved in many programs including as the Fire Control Coordinator, Apparatus Committee Coordinator, Rancho Cucamonga’s Firefighters’ Association – IAFF Local 2274’s 2nd VP, and a part of the Technical Rescue Team. Daniel and his wife Nicolina have been married for 22 years and together they have two children Gianna (15) and Jacob (12). During his time off their family enjoys boating and Camping. Daniel also enjoys traveling the world doing relief and deployment work.
Non-Sworn Employee of the Year, Patty Eickholt
Patty Eickholt is the Fire District’s Quality Improvement Nurse and has worked full time for the Rancho Cucamonga Fire District since 2020. She has been married to her husband Dan for 21 years and together they have three children; Samantha, Spencer, and Jacob. Patty enjoys traveling, scuba diving, and spending time with family.
Business Partner of the Year, Working Dogs for Warriors
Working Dogs for Warriors is a California 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization dedicated to training and providing service dogs for first responders and military veterans. Since its inception in 2016, the organization has been instrumental in supporting the Fire District’s COAST Team and Peer Support Program by providing two trained therapy dogs to support mental health and well-being. Our relationship with Working Dogs for Warriors is ongoing long after acquiring the K9s through continued training and support services. We appreciate the work they do for both our department and our community!
Team Citation Award, Medic Squad all shifts
In June of 2024 the Fire District implemented a Medic Squad at the newly built Fire Station 178 off Town Center Drive, located centrally in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. The addition of the squad required six firefighters to be assigned to that unit. The Squad responds to low acuity medical aid calls freeing up fire engines to remain available for calls such as fires or traffic collisions that require more personnel and specialized equipment. The implementation of a new program requires dedication and flexibility which all six firefighters have demonstrated in order to provide premier service to our Rancho Cucamonga Community.
Explorer of the Year, Jude Perry
Jude Perry has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills amongst the Fire Explorer Team through challenging training exercises. His outstanding work ethic is evident in his commitment to mastering firefighting skills and volunteering for additional responsibilities to support the Fire District events and operations.
Deputy of the Year: Deputy John Cadogan
Deputy John Cadogan is a dedicated law enforcement officer serving Southern California. He has been a valued member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since January 2014. In August 2017, Deputy Cadogan was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Patrol Station, where he quickly distinguished himself through exceptional performance.
In 2019, Cadogan was selected to serve as a School Resource Officer at Rancho Cucamonga High School. During this time, he earned the respect and admiration of both students and faculty for his commitment to safety and student engagement.
Following his tenure as a School Resource Officer, Deputy Cadogan was assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Police Traffic Division. He obtained certifications in accident reconstruction and Driving Under the Influence enforcement. Cadogan consistently maintains some of the highest performance statistics within the division, excelling in both enforcement and public education.
Deputy Cadogan is an active member of the bicycle enforcement team, regularly patrolling the Pacific Electric Trail and city parks. He has also played a key role in community bicycle safety education campaigns, contributing to the wellbeing of residents.
Known for his reliability and willingness to go above and beyond, Deputy Cadogan is always ready to assist his supervisors and colleagues with any task, exemplifying dependability, and dedication.
Professional Staff of the Year: Sheriff’s Service Specialist, Ashley Ramos
Ashley Ramos began her career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in August of 2024, at the Rancho Cucamonga Station as a Sheriff’s Service Specialist. From the outset, she has consistently gone above and beyond expectations, embodying the values and standards of the position. Ashley is professional, dedicated, and a true team player who demonstrates genuine care for her peers and the community she serves.
Ashley is recognized as a reliable and proactive employee who is always eager to assist her colleagues and members of the public. She consistently maintains professionalism in all circumstances, approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, and is known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Her willingness to go the extra mile has made her an invaluable asset to the station.
Currently serving as a Training Officer, Ashley has readily embraced leadership responsibilities. She is patient, detail-oriented, and leads by example, setting a high standard for others to follow. She is known for her dependability, initiative, and readiness to take on additional responsibilities, including mentoring peers and volunteering when needed.
Ashley’s dedication, commitment to excellence, and consistent contributions have earned her the distinction of being selected as Employee of the Year. Her hard work, professionalism, and exceptional service reflect the highest standards of the department.
Reserve Deputy of the Year: Gregory Bowen, Reserve Deputy Sheriff
Greg Bowen has proudly served the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department and the Rancho Cucamonga community for over three decades, dedicating more than 36 years of volunteer service as a member of the Reserve Deputy program. Throughout his tenure, Greg has consistently gone above and beyond generously volunteering countless hours to support the department’s mission. His extensive experience, unwavering reliability, and thorough understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to a reserve deputy have made him an invaluable asset to both his fellow deputies and the community he serves.
Greg’s commitment extends well beyond patrol operations. Greg has served the Yucaipa, Victorville, Fontana, Central, and Rancho Cucamonga patrol stations as a line reserve, Mounted Enforcement and Valley Search and Rescue member. He has consistently demonstrated professionalism, leadership, and compassion in every role he has undertaken. Beyond fulfilling his duties with diligence, Greg serves as a mentor and role model for new reserve deputies joining the program. His peers and supervisors alike recognize him as a dependable and trusted presence whether during routine patrols or critical incidents.
This award recognizes his exceptional achievements but also reflects the deep appreciation of the department and the community he faithfully serves.
Volunteer of the Year: Chaplain Diego Mesa
Chaplain Diego Mesa is a respected leader in both ministry and public service. In 1994, Chaplain Mesa and his wife founded Abundant Living Family Church, beginning as a small congregation that quickly took root in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. Under his leadership, the church has grown to over 12,000 members. Chaplain Mesa’s ministry focuses on growth, spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional wellness. He is deeply connected to the Rancho Cucamonga community.
In 2023, Chaplain Mesa expanded his commitment to public service by joining the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a Chaplain. In this role, he serves the community by participating in weekly ride-alongs with deputies and responding to calls for chaplain services when requested. He is always available to check on the wellness of both deputies and the community he serves.
Outside of his chaplaincy and ministry duties, Mesa enjoys road cycling, golfing, and spending quality time with his family. A devoted husband and father, he has dedicated his life to serving and uplifting the members of his community.
Explorer of the Year: Explorer Robert Victorino
Robert Victorino was sworn in as a Sheriff Explorer and assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga Station on August 10, 2022. He was promoted to Corporal on August 16, 2023, Sergeant on January 17, 2024, Lieutenant on March 27, 2024, and Explorer Captain on August 6, 2025.
To date, Robert has dedicated approximately 415 volunteer hours to the Explorer Post. He has actively participated in numerous community events, including the RCPD Open House, National Night Out at Victoria Gardens, the Sheriff’s Rodeo, Thoroughbred Christmas Lights, the Riverside Explorer Competition, and Excon. Robert is widely recognized as a respected leader among his peers, consistently demonstrating a positive attitude, professionalism, and a strong commitment to learning and serving others.
During high school, Robert was a varsity wrestler for four years and currently practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He is pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at California State University, San Bernardino. His interests include church, family, mixed martial arts, fitness, golfing, hunting, fishing, and his continued involvement in the RCPD Explorer Program. Robert’s short-term goal is to attend a police academy, with the long-term aspiration of serving as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Since childhood, Robert has been drawn to a career in law enforcement, inspired by the honor, integrity, and sense of family within the profession. He serves as a role model to his younger brother and an example of dedication and perseverance to those around him.
Humane Hero Award: Dana Richards
Dana has worked at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center since 2006. She started as an animal services dispatcher and then transitioned to her current role as a Customer Care Assistant. Over the years, Dana has helped countless numbers of people with adopting new pets, finding their lost pets, and problem-solving pet related concerns. Dana is known for her compassion and empathy and mentoring new employees and volunteers. She enjoys spending her free time camping and lounging by the pool with her family and pets.
PAWsitive Impact Award: Terry Yarnell
Terry, a retired Air Force veteran and former elementary school teacher, has volunteered at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center since 2019. He spends his time at the Animal Center performing numerous important housekeeping duties. Outside his volunteer work, Terry enjoys traveling with his wife, Karen, of 49 years, and spending time with their four grandsons.
PAWsitive Impact Award: Shirley Stephens
Shirley worked for Verizon for almost 30 years and in special education for 14 years. She started volunteering at the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Center in 2018. Shirley spends her time at the Animal Center assisting with laundry, housekeeping, walking dogs, and caring for the cats. Shirley is also a volunteer at the Lewis Family Playhouse. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two grandchildren, a boy 5, and a girl 9 months.
Congratulations to all of the awardees!