Article Contributed on: 1/16/2008 6:11:37 AM
Heroes filled the lodge on January 12, 2008, as the Denver Elks Lodge commenced their Second Annual Community Awards Program.
Our lodge was well-protected that night, with Denver's Engine 12 and Rescue 1 parked outside our building and all those firemen, along with many police officers from the Denver Police Department and the Denver County Sheriff's Department, as well as Denver Paramedics walking around on the inside of the building. A lone teacher was ready to make sure that we were using the correct grammar. One person was even in dress kilts.
The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is a fraternal organization, highly patriotic and dedicated to the betterment of our community, our children and our veterans, as demonstrated through scholarships, youth activities, drug awareness educational programs and numerous events held especially for military veterans. Our motto, "Elks Care and Elks Share", integrates the principles of Charity, Brotherly Love, Justice and Fidelity.
The members of Denver Elks Lodge #17, presented awards to outstanding individuals nominated by department chiefs in the City and County of Denver, to show our support for those charged with the protection, education, health and welfare of our youth and citizens living in the City and County of Denver. Those people do their jobs, like we do, not for glory or honor, but because they know it is the right thing to do. The award recipients were recognized for what they did in regard to the same principles that we Elks believe in.
Denver #17 Elk's Lodge Sheriff's Deputy of the Year for 2007 was presented to Sergeant John Romero for his leadership, knowledge and ability to work in the rough environment of the Denver County Jail System.
Denver #17 Elk's Lodge Police Officer of the Year for 2007 was a shared award, presented to Officer John Mehrtens and Officer Michael Torsney for their heroic actions in removing from the streets, without regard for their own safety, an armed criminal who posed a great danger to the police officers and the citizens of Denver.
Denver #17 Elk's Teacher of the Year 2007 was presented to LTC (Retired) Randy Nielson, the Senior JROTC Instructor at George Washington High School, for his preparation of students for responsible leadership roles and for increasing their awareness of good citizenship.
Denver #17 Elk's Lodge Paramedic of the Year 2007 was presented to EMS Lieutenant, Marc Scherschel, for his dedicated work to improving the lives of those around him, no matter what each situation entailed, and for being a model health care provider and leader to all Denver Health EMTs and paramedics.
Denver #17 Elk's Lodge Firefighter of the Year for 2007 was presented to Chad Cranmer, for his heroic action, without regard for his own safety, to help a woman caught in Lakewood Gulch during a rainstorm.
Denver #17 Elk's Lodge Citizen of the Year 2007 was presented to Carl Webster, for giving his time, knowledge and energy to protect the citizens of Denver as a member and leader of the Guardian Angels.
Heroes, one and all, and for a moment in time, they realized that someone felt that they were important and appreciated the service that they provided.