San Bernardino Sheriff Honors 56 Lifesavers, Deputy Nunez

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department honored 56 people April 9 for their actions in 23 separate incidents. The recipients included deputies, sheriff's volunteers, community members, doctors, and seven U.S. Marines from Twentynine Palms. The department presented 47 Lifesaving Awards, seven Medals of Valor, and two Frank Bland Medals of Valor.

Deputies revived children who had stopped breathing, provided aid to gunshot victims, and conducted rescue operations for injured hikers in remote terrain.

Deputy Andrew Nunez received the Frank Bland Medal of Valor posthumously, the department's highest honor. Nunez deliberately distracted an armed suspect during a violent incident, allowing a victim to escape. He was fatally wounded in the encounter.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus said at the ceremony: "Each of these recipients represents the very heart of this profession and community, placing the safety of others above their own."