By Kathy Chouteau
Exceptional public safety pros who work 24/7 toward the betterment of the Richmond community will soon be honored for their lifechanging work.
The Kiwanis Club of Richmond is honoring these dedicated individuals during a “Public Safety Awards Dinner” Friday, March 21 from 5-8 p.m. at the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL).
At its heart, the event will champion Richmond’s “Firefighter of the Year,” “Police Officer of the Year” as well as other notable public safety honorees. Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner.
Honorees that evening will include Firefighter of the Year Captain Marcus Faumui; Officer of the Year Joanna Grivetti; Dispatcher of the Year Laura Canelo-Tirado; Professional Staff Member of the Year Sofia Ayala; and a Teamwork Award for the Crime Analysis Unit’s Haley Needham and Sofia Ayala.
For dinner, “Soulfully Dope Kitchen is catering a choice of baked chicken or eggplant parmesan with mashed potatoes, asparagus and a vegetable medley,” said Kiwanis Club President Tiffany Harris. A raffle and “light-hearted roast” will be part of the celebratory evening, according to organizers.
Platinum ($2K), gold ($1K), silver ($500) and community ($250) level sponsorships are available. Contact Tiffany Harris at [email protected] or 510-730-9178 for related information.
Financial support from the event benefits the Kiwanis Club’s local Kiwins from four high schools. Kiwins empower and organize California youth to lead with empathy and inclusiveness through service, according to Harris.
RPAL is located at 2200 Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Purchase tickets here and learn more about the Kiwanis Club, Richmond Police Department and the Richmond Fire Department.
