By Gary Meyer

California Highway Patrol Officer Matt Barnachia was working the late-night shift at Fort Tejon Station on December 16, when a murder suspect was reported traveling south from Sacramento spotted the vehicle, made a traffic stop and arrested the murder suspect just south of Gorman, near Quail Lake.

Kern County Sheriff’s Deputy Darren Wonderly responded to reports of a house burning on California Trail in Frazier Park on May 12, 2010 at 2:30 a.m.

Wonderly was first on scene and believed there were people sleeping inside the house. He broke open the door, entered the burning home and escorted six people from the structure, including three children. Fire personnel said all occupants of the home might have perished in the blaze if it were not for Deputy Wonderly’s actions.

VFW Post 9791 presented these men and others with awards on Saturday, May 7 to thank agency personnel who have served the public exceptionally well in their duties.

Kern County Fire Captain Kris Kirksey and his crew responded to a medical aid call in Pine Mountain during December of 2010. The spouse of the person receiving medical aid herself needed food to prevent a worsening medical condition. Captain Kirksey cooked her breakfast, preventing a second medical crisis.

United States Forest Service Patrol Captain Sean Wolf was nominated for the award by Mount Pinos Area District Ranger Erik Van Walden. Wolf is well known for his positive attitude, initiative and helpfulness to the community. The award commends the patrol captain for “…outstanding service to our communities.”

Master of Ceremonies Commander Bob Blodgett thanked the agency members for their service.

This is part of the May 13, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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