Members of various branches of law enforcement were honored for their services during an award ceremony March 23 in Yucca Valley. The Morongo Basin Chapter 71 of the International Footprint Association honored Park Ranger Jeff Ohlfs from the Joshua Tree National Park Service, Sara Grabowski from the County Probation Department, Deputy Marylee Brown from the County Sheriff Court Services, Deputy Marcus Murray from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department, Officer Casey Simmons from the California Highway Patrol, Corporal Ryan Davis of the United States Marine Corps provost marshal’s office, and Special Agent Dennis Weldon of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Managing Editor Tami Roleff tells about the accomplishments of some of the honorees…
Deputy Marcus Murray of the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station was honored by the Footprinters as the Officer of the Year as he leads the station with the highest number of calls taken in service and arrests. His citation said the professional quality of his work and service to Yucca Valley is demonstrated with the successful prosecution of criminal cases filed with the District Attorney. He was the lead deputy in charge of investigating the arson fire of propane tanks at Walmart last August, and handled the safety of the employees and customers. Once they were out of danger, he applied his skills in identifying and apprehending a suspect shortly afterward.
Probation Officer Sara Grabowski was honored for her mentoring of new probation officers, and the overall excellence in her duties.
Officer Casey Simmons is a graduate of Yucca Valley High School and was accepted into the California Highway Patrol in 2009 after serving two tours in Iraq while in the Army Reserves. He was honored for his hard work and dedication to the CHP, and for going above and beyond his duties. Casey is dedicated and passionate about the mission of the California Highway Patrol and truly cares about the safety of his local community and the motoring public. Since he arrived in the Morongo Basin, he has made 261 total arrests and investigated 70 traffic collisions. Officer Simmons has arrested 247 for DUI and has been recognized for his efforts by Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Joshua Tree National Park Park Ranger Jeff Ohlfs has been with the Park Service for 25 years. He told Z107.7 News that he was just doing his job and the award should have gone to his rangers who really deserve it; they make him look good. Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Dave Smith praised Ohlfs, saying he was amazing resource for both the Morongo Basin and the national park. He said Ohlfs has made connections with different law enforcement agencies, and is a great “go-to guy” for any questions on how to deal with a situation.
Cpl. Ryan Davis is a military working dog handler for the Combat Center’s Provost Marshall’s Office. He was honored for his continued outstanding performance in 2015 both aboard the installation and in the community, conducting more than 24 demonstrations in the local community to include public schools.
