Having logged more than 600 hours of volunteer patrol, a Firebaugh couple has been named Top COP of the Year by Madera County and State of California. They were selected among their peers of nearly 40 volunteers.</p><p>Henry and Pamela Lara were honored during the "Citizens on Patrol" awards dinner in the Madera Ranchos on Saturday night, April 10.</p><p>On hand to celebrate and present achievement awards, Madera County Sheriff John Anderson, Madera County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Tom Wheeler and Madera County Supervisor Frank Bigelow.</p><p>The Laras joined the Sheriff's Citizen on Patrol Unit in 2006. On Saturday Henry and Pamela Lara were commended for their outstanding contribution to the Unit and the Sheriff's Department in 2009.</p><p>Also in the spotlight that evening, Al Jackson, who patrols the Madera Ranchos. Howard McFarland, Citizens on Patrol North Valley Team Leader presented him with the Unit's lifetime achievement award for having clocked more than 4,000 hours in the nearly 10 years he has been a volunteer.</p><p>Since its inception in Feb. 2000, Madera County's Citizens on Patrol has made a huge difference in helping the Sheriff's Department respond to the needs of residents who live in the foothill communities and on the valley floor.</p><p>"They truly are our Department's second set of eyes and ears," says Sheriff Anderson. "They know their neighbors and their communities better than anyone."</p><p>"While our Deputies must patrol nearly 3,000 square miles of Madera County," adds Sheriff Anderson, "our COPs focus on their specific neighborhoods and streets. You can understand why we believe their dedication and contribution to Madera County is so invaluable."</p><p>Madera County's COP Unit has spent nearly a decade working to maintain and build a program that continues to attract citizens from all walks of life who are dedicated to keeping their communities the safest place to live.</p><p>When not volunteering their time patrolling county roads and neighborhoods, Madera County COPS play a vital role in Search & Rescue missions, Missing Persons operations, Boat operations, the only unit to have one in the country, and even traffic control.</p><p>"Our COPS program, says Sheriff Anderson, "has become one of the most successful programs in the nation."</p><p>"Citizens on Patrol" is currently recruiting citizen volunteers. If you are 18 years or older and want to know how you can volunteer your time to helping the Sheriff's Department patrol our community, you are encouraged to attend monthly meetings. For more information about the COPs Program log on to the Madera County Sheriff's web site at <a href="http://<a href="http://www.madera-county.com/sheriff/" target="_blank">www.madera-county.com/sheriff/</a>" target="_blank">http://<a href="http://www.madera-county.com/sheriff/" target="_blank">www.madera-county.com/sheriff/</a></a> and click on Community Outreach.</p><p>Those interested in joining should contact Community Service Officers Stephanie Clark and Joann Evans at 559-718-3066.