Standing ovation given for Citizen of the Year Sarah Hansen

When David Crockett, president of the Chamber of Commerce, announced that this years recipient of Fillmore Citizen of the Year was Sarah Hansen, the patio at El Pescador erupted in a clamor of hoots, hollers, and applause that could be heard throughout Fillmore.

Sarah is known throughout Fillmore for her smile and good humor while forever trying to make Fillmore a better place. When you see that tall slender lady with the gray hair walking along the walking path who, when she sees you, smiles and gives you her “break-her arm” wave then you know you have seen Sarah Hansen. Whether it be leading a group of Soroptomists on their monthly cleanup walk, or on her own daily walk with bag in hand picking up trash, (Is it 13 years or 15 years?) or with a group of seniors on their weekly walk enjoying nature, birds, butterflies, trees or flowers, it is Sarah keeping the path clean and getting her daily exercise.

What has Sarah done for Fillmore? Sarah makes time weekly to deliver flowers from Hospice to all citizens that need a friendly flower or a smile. She helps with the annual Fillmore “Light up a Life” program for them and serves on the support group. Serving as Church Lay Leader and Chair of Mission and Outreach, she can be found delivering a large box or two of groceries from the First United Methodist Church to a family in need or you can see her weekly pulling weeds or planting flowers in the church‘s yards to beautify the area.

Being a charter member of the City of Fillmore Civic Pride 2020, she has been instrumental in organizing 3 years of tree planting along the bike path, scattering wild flowers along the highways, and bike paths. In 2007 she helped her special friend Marie Wren in reorganizing the Senior Citizen center. Sarah took charge of the library and was leader of their monthly book club and gave weekly nature walks. Naturally!

Her involvement in Soroptomists includes having ran the Imogene Vest Memorial Fishing Derby for over 10 years at Lake Piru with the monies raised going for scholarships. She continues to serve on their scholarship committee and enjoys the relationship with the young adults. Her current big project with the group is as Chairman of and raising money and awareness for the Peace Pole project which began with the celebration of the International Day of Peace, Sept. 2008 & 2009 with a temporary pole and will conclude in September with placement of a permanent pole.

She is a team captain in the Relay for Life program for the American Cancer Society.

In past years, she was active in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Fillmore Youth Employment Service, PTA, and Fillmore Lions Club.

Sarah also finds time to play tennis, enjoys being a spectator at her grandchildren’s activities, and this year was able to needle her Trojan, Bruin, and Bears fans/friends when her Oregon Ducks won the Pac-10 football championship. No matter what the event or job, Sarah gives her all and gives it with a smile.

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Biography for Deputy Brian Hackworth
2010 Fillmore Officer of the Year

Deputy Brian Hackworth was born in Santa Paula, California in 1967. His parents are Glen and Candy Hackworth of Santa Paula. He attended local schools and in 1985 graduated from Saint Bonaventure High School in Ventura.

Brian has been married to his wife, Deborah for 16 years. He is the father of four: Tyler –15, Ashley –11, Brandon –10, Brooklyn –2 all living in the City of Fillmore.

Brian was hired by our Sheriff’s Department on May 21, 1995. He started as a Sheriff Technician and was assigned to Detention Services at Todd Road Jail. He was promoted to Deputy Sheriff Trainee in January of 1996 and assigned to the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center Basic Academy Class 96-1. He graduated from the Academy and was assigned again to the Todd Road Jail.

For the next two and one half years Brian learned and refined his fundamentals skills dealing with people and learning the faces, names and games of those he would someday be arresting on the street.

On July 18, 1999, Brian was transferred to assigned to work in the City of Fillmore. Although small in size, the City of Fillmore Station and surrounding areas make it one of the Sheriff’s Department’s most active stations. Brian fit right in.

Brian has continued to excel in all aspects of his law enforcement duties. He has received praise and commendations for his relationships with his supervisors, fellow employees, and the public we serve. Supervisors have regularly noted;

“Superb example to other deputies.”

“One of the most motivated deputies at the Fillmore station.”

Brian has demonstrated an aptitude toward investigating and apprehending offenders. He has received many commendations for his numerous investigations including such crimes as burglary and grand theft auto.

He received the Medal of Valor in 2001 for his efforts to rescue a female on the 126 Highway that was trapped in a burning car.

The common denominator of all these commendations is his care and compassion as well as his diligence for solving the crime.
When Brian was selected as a Field Training Deputy, it was so he can train and mentor others to mimic his work ethic.

Brian has trained 80% of the current work force working at the Fillmore station.

This group of deputies, by far represent some of the most productive deputies currently on the Department.

Another goal of Brian’s is to be promoted to the rank of Senior Deputy.

When asked who was a person who has most influenced his career? Brian has said on numerous occasions: “My friends who were already deputy sheriff’s. I admired their work and the thought of giving back to the community.”

When asked about a single memorable event from his career? Brian acknowledged he remembers the satisfaction of helping people with the little things. “Like returning a kids lost dog to a little crying kid. I may have helped people a thousand times, but to the individual I’m helping at that moment this is the single greatest event of their life.”

Brian has been described as “fun loving” but tough on crime. He continues to be a leader among his peers with the best interest of the public displayed in everything he does. When not working, he enjoys coaching and spending time with his family and friends in Fillmore.

It is with great pride that I present to you the 2010 Fillmore Officer of the Year, Deputy Brian Hackworth.