‘Energizer Bunny’ honored for work in fire protection

Costa Mesa Fire Protection Specialist Brenda Emrick was honored with an award for individual service from the Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board.

Emrick was one of eight winners chosen from a field of 131 nominees from all over Southern California, including Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura counties. Described as the “Energizer Bunny” by friends and coworkers, she was recognized for innovating and developing programs to teach community members how to prepare for and deal with natural disasters.

The Greater Los Angeles Federal Executive Board works to improve the efficiency of federal offices.

Councilwoman Wendy Leece nominated Emrick along with Sgt. Vic Bakkila, who won distinction from the mayor earlier this year for his work helping a homeless woman, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials for their collaboration with the Costa Mesa Police Department.

— Alan Blank