Sacramento, Calif. - California State Employees were awarded for their courageous acts including responding to life threatening situations, at the 27th annual Governor Employee Safety Awards held today at Sacramento State University.
   
Recipients at the event included the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Southern District, Facilities Service Department from California State San Marcos, California State University Los Angeles and Stockton Department of Motor Vehicles.

"I am extremely honored to receive this award. I felt that I was just doing my job; it is my responsibility to keep the public and fellow employees safe," said Vern Shriver, an award recipient from the Stockton Department of Motor Vehicles who overpowered an armed intruder wielding two knives. 

Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency presented the awards on behalf of Governor Schwarzenegger.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to present these important awards on behalf of Governor Schwarzenegger, recognizing individuals who have made such an important contribution to safety and well being of the state of California," said Marin

The event opened with the pledge of allegiance and introductions from the host committee. Department of General Services' Chief Deputy Director, Will Semmes, referenced Secretary Rosario Marin's book Leading Between Two Worlds and described how the awardees went beyond the call of duty.

Family, friends, and colleagues attended the event in support of the recipient's tremendous efforts.

For further questions please contact Debra Neisen at 916-376-5313 or log on to the Department of General Service Website.

About the DGS- Information About DGS- The Department of General Services (DGS) is Calif. premier service provider. DGS has six divisions, 23 operational offices, 4,000 employees and a budget in excess of half a billion dollars.

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