Thompson Announces Contra Costa Public Safety Heroes of the Year

February 10, 2019

Washington – Today Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-05) announced his recipients for the Fifth Congressional District's Public Safety Hero Award. Each year, Thompson honors law enforcement officers and first responders in our community who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. For Contra Costa County, Corporal Ryan Baille of the Martinez Police Department and Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods, a strike team leader from the Contra Costa Fire Protection District have been selected.

"In our district and across our state, this year has been a challenging one for our law enforcement and first responders. From devastating fires to tragic incidents, our men and women have responded to countless incidents, putting their life on the line to keep us safe," said Thompson. "That's why I am again humbled to present my annual Public Safety Hero award to our local champions and honor the courageous service they preform day in and day out. It is a distinct honor to represent so many dedicated and heroic public servants."

Each year, Thompson honors one local law enforcement officer and one local first responder from each county with the Public Safety Hero award.

Corporal Ryan Baille is being honored for his dogged service with the Martinez Police Department, where he recently closed the largest human trafficking case in Bay Area history. This case began because of his dedication to listening to survivors of human trafficking and ended with a 180-year sentence of the guilty party.

Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods is being honored for his work as a strike team leader fighting the Thomas Fire incident in Southern California. His heroism fighting that fire was recognized by Ellen DeGeneres on her show. He currently works to train wildland firefighters and serves as an example to emerging emergency responders.

"It is an honor to recognize Corporal Ryan Baille and Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods as Public Safety Heroes for Contra Costa County," said Thompson. "They understand the true meaning of service, going that extra mile to help everyone they encounter on the job and putting their lives on the line for our safety. They are true heroes and it is my honor to join them in bettering the lives of people across our county."

In addition to the 10 honorees from each of the counties Thompson represents, Thompson also honored entrepreneur and celebrity chef Guy Fieri with a special Public Safety Hero award in honor of his work to provide meals and support during the recent fires.

"Guy is a hometown hero – both for his support of our economy in starting businesses right in the heart of our district and for his humanitarian work to provide food to first responders and fire survivors," said Thompson. "Fieri's work has been exceptional and instrumental to helping our local public servants and facilitating evacuations during our community's many recent fires. It's my honor to recognize his work today."

The full list of the Public Safety Heroes of the Year for the 5^th Congressional District is below:

Corporal Ryan Baille, Martinez Police Department
Paramedic Fire Captain Dave Woods, Contra Costa Fire Protection District
Elona Porter, Evidence Technician Supervisor and Lead Crime Scene Investigator for Lake County Sheriff's Department
Fire Captain Richard Lawler, CalFire Clearlake Oaks Fire Station
Deputy Steven Lombardi, Napa County Sheriff's Department
Captain Steve Becker, Napa Fire Department
Corporal Ritzie Tolentino, Vallejo Police Department
Daniela Flores, Solano EMT and Medic Ambulance
Cristina Montoya, Cotati Police Dispatcher and Clerk
Captain Don Ricci, Santa Rosa Fire Department
Guy Fieri, Celebrity Chef and local second responder

Congressman Mike Thompson is proud to represent California's 5^th Congressional District, which includes all or part of Contra Costa, Lake, Napa, Solano and Sonoma Counties. He is a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he chairs the Subcommittee on Tax Policy. Rep. Thompson is Chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. He is also Co-Chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Wine Caucus and a member of the fiscally-conservative Blue Dog Coalition.