Ranch officers honored for fire actions

Black Butte Police Managing Board Chairman Bob Lengle (center) congratulates Officer Mitch Elliott (left) and Sergeant Harry Hawkins (right). The officers were honored for their actions during the Cache Mountain fire. Photo provided

Black Butte Ranch police officers Mitch Elliott and Sergeant Harry Hawkins were honored with Medals of Valor at a ceremony on Thursday, October 24, for their actions during the Cache Mountain fire last summer.

Sergeant Hawkins and Officer Elliott evacuated the Fiddleneck Lane area of the Ranch in the face of a sudden firestorm on July 28.

Both officers were credited with going door to door while the fire was at its worst, ensuring that all 84 residences in the area were empty before leaving themselves.

Both officers were treated by paramedics for minor smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion and returned to duty assisting with the complete, safe evacuation of the Ranch.

Chief Gil Zaccaro said that the officers' actions were "beyond the call of duty."

Sergeant Hawkins will retire from law enforcement on October 31 after serving the public for 36 years.