It was an evening of celebration of success and of remembrance during the annual Placer Law Enforcement Agencies awards night.

More than 30 officers, volunteers, dispatchers and law enforcement from Placer County police departments and other agencies were recognized Wednesday at Rocklin’s Sunset Center.

A Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Medal of Honor, Sgt. Major Jon R. Cavainai, served as the night’s keynote speaker. He spoke of his perception of the current War on Terrorism, but also commended those who serve, not only in war zones, but on home turf, as law enforcement.

“Our law enforcement agencies are on constant alert,” he told a crowd of hundreds. “We should honor them every day of the year.”

Wednesday night was an annual event to honor those who went above and beyond the call of duty in our communities.

Among those receiving the Bronze Medals of Valor were a group of county law enforcement officers honored for their assistance during a suicide attempt at the Foresthill Bridge.

Sgt. Brian Silva, Sgt. Brad McKenzie, Deputy Derek Tredinnick and Deputy Lakshan DeSilva of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department, saved a suicidal man standing about 700 feet above the north fork of the American River.

The victim lost his grip on the rail and law enforcement was able to grab the man and physically keep the man from falling.

Roseville Police Officer Rick Fox also helped save a life, but in a different manner. Fox was the recipient of the Life Saving Award for restoring a 15-month-old’s airway.

Fox administered quick first aid to the child during what he thought was a routine assistance to a traffic accident, Roseville Police Chief Mike Blair said.

It wasn’t only law enforcement out in the communities that were recognized. Those who serve behind the scenes were also among the award-winners.

Jenny Schultz, a Placer County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher, received the Distinguished Service Award for her assistance Jan. 28 when a prisoner escaped custody while being transported for an appointment.

When the computer-aided dispatch system failed, Schultz was able to assist manually through the dispatch system, eventually leading to the prisoner being returned to custody.

Rocklin Police Dispatcher Anisha Harper was also a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for her calmness during the delivery of a baby girl over the phone. Harper was able to give instructions to the husband for a safe delivery.

In addition to honoring those still serving, servicemen who had passed were remembered for their time spent in their departments.

Remembered from the Placer County Sheriff’s Department were Corrections Officer Dave Padilla and Assistant Deputy John McDonald.

Padilla spent three years with the department and was remembered for his calm demeanor and family history of service. McDonald worked in CHP for 29 years and returned to work for the Correction’s Unit after retirement. Both were remembered for their time spent with the department.

Lincoln’s current police Chief Brian Vizzusi presented an In Memory of Service award in honor of retired Chief Bob Jimenez, who passed away July 7.

“He was Lincoln’s first police chief,” Vizzusi said. “He was brave … he was civic-minded and he was a great leader. He earned the respect of (possibly) every citizen that lives within Placer County.”

Jimenez’s wife was present to accept the award.

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PLEA Awards honorees include:

From the Auburn Police Department: Volunteer Fred Canning, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award; Officer Mike Metzner, Chaplaincy Award; Dispatcher Linda Steinle, Chaplaincy Award

Lincoln Police Department: Volunteer Marilyn Thomas, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award

Rocklin Police Department: Volunteer Kathy Smith, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award; CSO Summer Regalia, Distinguished Service Award; Dispatcher Karri Hall, Distinguished Service Award; Dispatcher Desire Miller, Distinguished Service Award

Roseville Police Department: Officer David Flood, Mark White Award; Volunteer Maury Luckett, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award

CHP: Volunteer Sue Miller, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award

Placer County Probation: Officers Merredith Murdock, Eric Guerena and Joseph Netemeyer, Distinguished Service Awards

Placer County Sheriff’s Department: Volunteer Tom Palmer; Volunteer Recognition of Service

California State Parks: Volunteer Jim Ferris, Volunteer Recognition of Service Award; Dispatcher Sally Nevin, Distinguished Service Award; Officer Michael Green, Distinguished Service Award