Leaders_in_the_Community

Leaders in the Community

The Meritorious Service Medal is one of the highest honors Law Enforcement can bestow upon an individual. In a formal ceremony on February 4th, the Nevada County Sheriff's Office presented two of these once-in-a-lifetime awards to local citizens in gratitude for their significant contributions and outstanding service to Law Enforcement and our community.

The first Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Dr. Crimi, Ph.D., O.M.D., Grandmaster of the Martial Arts by Sheriff Keith Royal. Dr. Crimi, an internationally recognized 10th degree Black Belt and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, now in his 46th year of martial arts, has devoted his service and expertise in Defensive Tactics to Law Enforcement with emphasis placed on understanding the physiology and physics behind it. Due to his extensive knowledge in the field of Medicine he has also given them specialized instruction in First Aid Resuscitative Techniques. Since he first started training select Law Enforcement from Nevada County, 28 years ago, he has unselfishly provided all of his time and efforts free of charge. Sheriff Royal expressed thanks for him "donating years of expensive training that our department couldn't afford." Undersheriff Trauner added: "While many Sensei's can teach self defense, we have a world renowned Doctor, Scholar and Trainer in our own backyard with a history of helping Law Enforcement who has completely embraced us!"

Sheriff Royal also awarded a Meritorious Service Medal to Mr. Bill Drown and commented on "His long legacy of assisting Public Safety and Uniformed Public Servants, including organizing fundraisers such as: The Red Light Ball, Guns and Hoses Golf Tournament and annual Law Enforcement Picnics." He was the President of the Hospital Foundation, raised funds for Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Outpatient Clinic, and was the Founder and driving force behind the success of the Nevada County Law Enforcement and Fire Protection Council. Both Sheriff Royal and Undersheriff Trauner later spoke at length in appreciation of "Mr. Drown's vision and foresight in seeing the need for a council to support and connect all Uniformed Agencies - not only creating it, but remaining at its helm so the focus stayed on public safety."
On behalf of the entire Nevada County Sheriff's Department, heartfelt speeches were given by Sheriff Royal, Undersheriff Trauner and Captain Duncan. Their gratitude, love and deep respect for Dr. Crimi and Mr. Drown was so evident through their words honoring them that many in attendance were moved to tears. Each presentation resulted in standing ovations which humbled and honored both recipients to receive such prestigious recognition together. Dr. Crimi said: "Although I'm honored to accept this Medal, I don't see why somebody should get awarded for simply doing what they love to do. This is my path and my passion!" Mr. Drown later stated, "I've taken on as my personal mission to be an Ambassador of good will for the publics safety mainly by fundraising, educating citizens and rallying support behind Uniformed Public Servants."

Following Martial Arts ancient traditions, true Masters should be servants to humankind. Dr. Crimi's teacher was this way and always stressed the importance of community service. The Doctor feels that by training Law Enforcement his teachings have the greatest benefit for all, for they are the ones who willingly serve and protect the people. Undersheriff Trauner stated: "What Tyron most represents to me is that he can help save the lives of Officers and teach them alternatives to deadly force, which can also help save a suspects life." His continued services include: educating minds and conditioning bodies of students, teaching Women's Self Defense and Specialty Classes, and always being available as a Counselor, Mentor and Doctor whenever needed. Undersheriff Trauner affectionately said, "I've known him for over 35 years and he's always been a '3 o'clock in the morning person,' meaning whenever you called him for help he'd be there for you… even at 3 am!"

The continuous support from these men of integrity should move us all to emulate their shining examples in our daily lives. These gentlemen, motivated purely by love and sense of duty to give without reservation have used their individual expertise to forge inspiring paths for us to follow. Just as a tiny pebble tossed into a pond causes many expanding rings, each of us in our own small way can initiate loving circles of influence that continue spreading worldwide. Everyone can prosper by applying the wise words of Dr. Crimi's late teacher, Professor Estes, who frequently said: "Love is like a big hole… the more you take out and give away the bigger it gets!"