Chamber honors police officers, firefighters

Sue Doyle

COSTA MESA -- Kevin Meng choked on his words as he recalled the people

who most influenced his life and made him the person he is today -- 1999

Police Officer of the Year.

“Gee, how can I arrest anybody?” Meng said to the crowd, referring to his

emotional state.

Meng was one of eight recognized by the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce at

its 37th annual Public Safety Awards luncheon held at South Coast Plaza’s

Westin Hotel. Award recipients were nominated by their co-workers and

heralded by family members, who packed into the hotel’s conference room.

The day was a chance to honor the individuals behind the badge and those

close to them, said Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder.

Reserve officer Edmond Zuorski, who joined the department in 1972,

received recognition for his continued involvement with the police force.

He is still investigating two unsolved homicide cases.

Costa Mesa firefighters made Jeff Janzen their man of the year. Janzen

became deeply involved with community projects, including Christmas

baskets for the elderly, school supplies for children in need and raising

money for burn victims.

But awards also went to people without a badge.

Jeanie Craig and Edward Markley were both given the Volunteer of the Year

Award for their more than 3,000 combined hours contributed to the police

substation.

“Jeanie and I have given 150 years of experience -- all for one lunch,”

Markley said.

The chamber also announced Emily Evers as Civilian of the Year and Cherie

Pittington as Communications Officer of the Year.

Officer Larry Fettis received an award from the Automobile Club of

Southern California for his involvement in the recovery of stolen

vehicles.