On April 9, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department hosted its annual Exceptional Service Awards and proudly recognized 56 recipients. These recipients included deputies, sheriff’s volunteers, community members, doctors and seven U.S. Marines from Twentynine Palms. Forty-seven Lifesaving Awards, seven Medals of Valor, and two Frank Bland Medals of Valor were presented for extraordinary actions taken across 23 separate incidents in 2025.
These incidents reflect the very best of public service — moments where courage, quick thinking and selflessness made the difference between life and death. Among those honored were deputies who rendered critical aid to gunshot victims, revived children who had stopped breathing and executed complex rescue operations to save injured hikers in remote and dangerous terrain. Their actions exemplify the department’s unwavering commitment to protecting life under the most challenging circumstances.
Deputy Andrew Nunez, who made the ultimate sacrifice during a violent incident, and in an act of extraordinary courage, deliberately distracted an armed suspect, allowing a victim the opportunity to escape to safety. Deputy Nunez was fatally wounded during the encounter. The Frank Bland Medal of Valor, the department’s highest honor, was awarded posthumously in recognition of his profound bravery displayed in the face of imminent danger.
“This ceremony is a solemn reminder of the risks our deputies face and the courage they carry into every call,” said Sheriff Shannon Dicus. “Each of these recipients represents the very heart of this profession and community, placing the safety of others above their own. We are especially mindful of the ultimate sacrifice made by our fallen deputy, whose bravery will never be forgotten.”
Additional County Update News – April 16, 2026
- Targeted Crime Suppression-Operation Consequences – April 6 through April 12
- New CalFresh work and community engagement requirements begin in June
- New amenities open at Prado Regional Park; more to come
- San Bernardino County to host May 5 Budget Workshop and Fiscal Overview
- Baker’s “lonely fire station” serves a critical lifeline along the I-15
- First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital promote Week of the Young Child
- Animal Care partners with Wings of Rescue to give shelter dogs a second chance
- Did You Know: Topgolf
- SBC Through Your Eyes: Yucaipa Regional Park
- Submit your photos and videos of the county’s destinations, nature and cityscapes
- San Bernardino County history: Samuel Merrill
- Things to do in San Bernardino County
- Pet of the Week: Brandy