VISTA: Groups honor four 'unsung heroes'

Three Vista firefighters and a sheriff's detective were recognized Friday as part of American Legion Post 365's annual "Salute to Public Safety."

The Vista post has been holding the award ceremony since 2002 and partnered with the Vista Chamber of Commerce for the first time this year.

"We're here to honor the unsung heroes of our everyday lives," said Chris Yates, one of the event's organizers and a post member. "As veterans we understand and appreciate your honor, courage, commitment and sacrifice."

Honorees were each given the American Legion Medal of Valor, certificates of recognition from U.S. Rep. Darrel Issa, R-Vista, and Assemblyman Martin Garrick, R-Carlsbad, and a proclamation from the City of Vista.

Honorees included:

---- Detective Dave Brannan, of the San Diego County Sheriff's Vista station, who played a key role in the capture of two men charged with the June 2007 armed robbery of Gems and Loans, 925 S. Santa Fe Drive. The suspects pistol-whipped the businesses manager and stole thousands of dollars before fleeing the scene. The case was listed as a "cold case" for two years before Brannan led an investigation that used DNA evidence to find one of the suspects. Brannan's interrogations elicited a full confession and led to the capture and confession of the second suspect.

---- Capt. Samuel Craig of the Vista Fire Department was honored for superior leadership skills as a firefighter and paramedic. Craig leads training efforts for the department and revamped its probationary manual to help new firefighters increase their knowledge and skills.

---- Capt. Rick Delaney, a 24-year veteran of the Vista Fire Department, was honored for his charitable efforts on behalf of the department. Delaney spearheaded fundraising campaigns for several charities including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and Children's Hospital. He also organized local boot drives, pancake breakfasts and golf tournaments to raise money for burn victims, Operation Hope and the Widows and Orphans of Sept. 11.

---- Brendan Hammes was recognized for superior service as a firefighter and paramedic with the Vista Fire Department. In four years, Hammes has participated in dozens of fire, rescue and emergency response calls including the 2007 wildfires.

American Legion Commander Thomas Foynes commended the firefighters and detective for their bravery.

"My danger days were over when I left the Marine Corps," he said. "You (public servants) face danger on a daily basis. We really appreciate that you're keeping our community, our families and our property safe."