Susan Barr
Kern Valley Sun

On Monday evening, the Exchange Club of Kern Valley held its 35th annual Officer of the Year Award Dinner at Paradise Cove. The event, which drew close to 100 attendees, featured representatives from the numerous law enforcements agencies serving the valley, local dignitaries and residents wishing to lend their support to the occasion.

Dave Freeland, President of the Exchange Club, was on hand to open the evening’s festivities. As various speakers took to the floor, a recurring theme became apparent; an appreciation for the high level of interagency cooperation unique to this area. Freeland stated, “There are no egos involved here. Everyone who serves as an arm of the law works together to get the job done. This event allows us to recognize deserving individuals, regardless of the agency, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. It’s a nice pat on the back and a chance for them to be recognized by their peers.”

California Highway Patrol Officer Jeremy Mullen makes his acceptance speech after receiving the Kern Valley Exchange Club’s 35th annual Officer of the Year award at Paradise Cove Restaurant Monday night. Mullen’s family was joined by more than 100 people who came out to celebrate Officer Mullen’s dedication to duty and his community.

Jim Malouf, who chaired the selection committee, reiterated Freeland’s sentiments.“The spirit of cooperation between these agencies is real. It’s not uncommon to have members of one branch of law enforcement nominating someone from a completely different branch. That’s rare.” Malouf went on to add that although there were several candidates this year, there was one deciding factor that made this year’s recipient a clear winner. On a cold January night in 2008, California Highway Patrol Officer Jeremy Mullen received a call informing him that a vehicle had gone off the road in the Kern Canyon. As the only officer available, he made his way to the scene of the accident and began to assist emergency responders. A woman and her 17-month-old daughter had been in the vehicle as it went careening down the ravine. The mother was extracted and brought up to a waiting ambulance, but because of the child’s young age, none of the equipment was usable. Mullen carried the infant himself up the steep hill. For his role in the rescue on that frigid winter night, as well as for the dedication and hard work he demonstrates on a daily basis, Mullen was named 2009 Officer of the Year.

CHP Sergeant Bob Romine, Mullen’s supervisor, shared his thoughts on the award recipient. “He’s just an all round good guy. He comes from a family with strong roots in law enforcement.”

Mullen, who has served in the valley for the past seven years, was joined at the dinner by his wife Kristin and parents Joy and Chuck Mullen. His wife, excited about the honor bestowed on her husband of 13 years, stated, “He works very hard and is certainly deserving of this award.” Mullen’s parents, who recently retired to the valley, beamed with obvious pride as they spoke about their son. His father, a former Deputy in Inyo County, recalled how his oldest child was always a very dedicated individual even from a young age.

As Mullen made his way to the podium to receive his award, amidst a standing ovation, it was obvious he would be more comfortable riding in a patrol car than being the center of attention. A man of few words, he thanked the Exchange Club, his family and his peers. Later on when asked for his thoughts on the award he said, “The people of this valley mean a lot to me. I’m honored that they would recognize me in this way.” He also added that he couldn’t do his job without the total support of his wife. “This job becomes your life. Even on days off it still makes demands of you. Without an understanding, supportive spouse you just couldn’t do it.”

As for the couple’s three young children, they too are very proud of their dad. Right now, they say they want to follow in their dad’s footsteps and be in law enforcement when they grow up. As a father and an Exchange Club Officer of the Year, Mullen certainly couldn’t ask for a higher compliment than that.