Last Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Prescott Elks Lodge held their annual Law Enforcement/Firefighter Awards Dinner at their Lodge. The following is the presentation made and the recipients of those awards. It should serve as a reminder of the high quality of the first responders who serve in our area.
Every year, Prescott Elks Lodge #330, as well as Elks Lodges around the Country, honor those who put their lives on the line for us. We do this because they deserve recognition for choosing professions that protect our lives and our property. We recognize them for their service and their selflessness.
They do what we cannot do ourselves. They stand watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The firefighters and paramedics instruct us on fire prevention and first aid. They fight fires in the countryside to prevent the spread to populated areas. They enter burning buildings at the risk that the structures may collapse on them. The paramedics respond to our medical emergencies and render aid saving untold numbers of lives.
Our law enforcement officers patrol our streets and rural areas in a visible effort to suppress crime. They respond to crimes, confront criminals who are often armed and place their bodies in harms way for us. They investigate criminal violations so that crooks will pay the price for the injuries they cause and the damage they have done. They patrol our highways to make us safer from the threats of drunk, drugged and dangerous drivers.
And while WE are celebrating family birthdays, anniversaries and holidays these first responders are often working and missing that time with their families. So we should also recognize those husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and children of those officers and firefighters for their sacrifices.
First, from the Central Arizona Fire & Medical Authority: Firefighter John Apolinar. John is widely respected throughout the community and within the fire service as a reliable, humble, and genuine individual. His character and integrity are evident in everything he does both on and off duty.
John consistently goes above and beyond in his service to Central Arizona Fire, often taking on additional projects and responsibilities without seeking recognition. He quietly steps in to help whenever he is needed, always placing the needs of others before his own. His dedication is not driven by praise, but by a sincere desire to serve.
For most of his life, John has lived in this community and is deeply committed to serving it. He has raised his family here and his priority is seeing to the wellbeing of people he serves.
His Department says that John Apolinar exemplifies the values of the fire service. His compassion, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his profession and community make him exceptionally deserving of this award.
From the Prescott Fire Department: Firefighter Caley Cozens. Caley is a proud veteran who served our country with distinction. At the end of the Afghanistan war, she assisted with humanitarian response to the influx of refugees and this inspired her, in part, to become a firefighter.
Since joining the Prescott Fire Department, Caley has continued to embody this same spirit of selflessness and leadership. Although a newer member of the Department, she has already made a profound impact. She volunteers with Prescott Fire Charities, working to raise funds and awareness for the many causes the Department supports. Caley actively participates in community events, ensuring that the department’s presence is felt as a force for good in the community. She is never far away when a member of the department is in need.
Caley’s ability to balance her professional role, charitable work, and community outreach with such energy and heart is inspiring to her colleagues and to all who encounter her. She reflects the very best values of the Prescott Fire Department: Service, Compassion and Commitment. As a veteran, public servant, and tireless volunteer, she continues to make her community and country stronger. These are the reasons that Caley Cozens is worthy of this award.
The recipient for the Prescott Police Department is: Detective Lorraine Zannini. Lorraine Zannini joined the Prescott Police Department in 2020. In 2023, she tested for and was selected as one of the department’s Sexual Assault Response Team in the Investigation Section. Her department describes Lorraine as “hard working, intelligent, professional, dedicated and dependable.”
Her work in the Investigation Section has been critical in ensuring the safety of children and the successful prosecution of individuals who prey on vulnerable populations. This makes Lorraine an invaluable asset to the Prescott Police Department and the surrounding community.
In addition to the very important work she does for the department, Detective Zannini volunteers as a swim coach for local youth, has made a presentation at the Arizona Human Trafficking Summit to stop human trafficking, and also presented information to local parents and their children about the dangers of social media. Because of her role in keeping Prescott and the surrounding communities safe, Detective Lorraine Zannini is truly deserving of this award.
The Prescott Valley Police Department recipient is Ryan Heggestad. Officer Heggestad has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance in his duties. In the last year, Officer Heggestad apprehended 52 DUI suspects and completed 26 Drug Recognition Exams while working the day shift. He investigated 71 crashes, made 14 arrests for criminal speed, 2 arrests for aggressive driving, 2 arrests for reckless driving, and issued 455 citations. He is the lead instructor for driving at the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy.
By the outstanding performance of his job, Officer Heggestad ensures public safety, reduces accidents and assists with calls for service. Ryan’s focus on traffic enforcement, accident prevention and education has directly contributed to a decrease in accidents and enhanced public safety.
In addition, Ryan is a field training officer. He also serves as a technology operator on the SWAT team, deploying drones and robots for SWAT as well as for Patrol and Traffic. Officer Heggestad has continuously demonstrated the precision, skill, and ability needed to operate advanced technology in high pressure situations. Ryan Heggestad’s professionalism, proactive approach to law enforcement, and willingness to go the extra mile are the reason he receiving this award.
From District 12 of the Arizona Highway Patrol, this year’s recipient is Trooper Martin Sotelo. Trooper Sotelo is noted for his outstanding service and leadership in his district. Last year Martin completed over 1200 traffic stops, issued 1059 hazardous citations and made 40 arrests, including 24 DUIs. Trooper Sotelo is also District 12 firearms instructor, a defensive tactics and field training instructor, and a Threat Liaison Officer. In addition, he contributes as a public information officer and academy instructor, monitoring new recruits.
Trooper Sotelo is fluent in Spanish and is certified as a Level 3 commercial vehicle inspector. He actively supports community events and recruitment efforts. When he is off duty, Martin is a Sergeant First Class in the US Army Reserves. He prioritizes physical fitness and promotes financial growth among his fellow troopers. Because of his dedication to public safety and community engagement, Trooper Martin Sotelo is the Arizona Highway Patrol recipient this year.
The Yavapai County Sheriff award recipient this year is Deputy Garrett Russell. The Sheriff’s Office stated that Deputy Russell is a diligent, proactive, tenacious worker who believes in community engagement. When not actively on calls for service, he is conducting traffic stops. In the last year, Garrett has made 35 DUI arrests, developed 86 drug cases, and has been a key player in fighting drug activity in his area. Many of his cases have been important enough to be turned over to Partners Against Narcotic Trafficking.
From January to September of 2025, Deputy Russell made 96 arrests. He is always willing to assist his fellow deputies during their calls for service and will, no doubt, be assisting them even more often now that he has been assigned to the Special Crimes/K9 Unit. Deputy Garrett Russell, because of his hard work and devotion to duty, is recognized as this year’s recipient.
