Brandon Muncy and Cathy Perfect
Kern Valley Sun

BLM Senior Law Enforcement Officer Reid Hopkins was named 2010’s Officer of the Year at the Exchange Club’s annual Officer of the Year dinner at Paradise Cove.

Hopkins, an 18-year veteran of BLM’s Law Enforcement Ranger Program, also served 12 years as a Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Supervisor Jon McQuiston, left, presents Reid Hopkins, a Senior Law Enforcement Officer with BLM, with a certificate in recognition of Hopkins being named Kern Valley Officer of the Year at Exchange Club of Kern Valley’s annual awards dinner honoring local law enforcement personnel March 9.

“I’m humbled by this; there are many deserving dedicated law enforcement officers here tonight.”

Hopkins is the second Ranger in BLM history to work a canine and brought the first police canine into service within the Kern River Valley. Working with the dogs has allowed Hopkins to support marijuana garden eradication, management of large crowds at the Imperial Sand Dunes and other large off-highway vehicle areas.

“The most rewarding is being the first K-9 unit introduced to the Kern River Valley,” said Hopkins.

In addition, he has attended numerous schools and other educational institutions, showcasing the benefit of K-9 law enforcement.

During Hopkins’ time with BLM, he has been involved in numerous investigations, theft of more than $100,000 worth of timber which resulted in a conviction; investigations of three homicides, one of which led to the capture and conviction of the suspect. Beginning in 1974, Hopkins investigated wildland fires that had been man caused and, through his investigations, suspects were identified and successfully prosecuted.

Hopkins was instrumental in starting the first Swift Water Rescue Team for Tulare County in the Kern River Valley in 1983.

“Over many years, Ranger Hopkins has participated in swift water rescues, putting his life on the line as he donned his gear and waded into swift dangerous waters that have claimed so many lives before,” said Timothy Smith, BLM Bakersfield Field Manager.

Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Riggs and United States Forest Service, Special Agent Brian Adams were recognized as two of this year’s nominees.

Kern County District Attorney Ed Jagels was the night’s guest speaker. Unlike past speakers, who focused on the local law enforcement personnel and their service to the Kern River Valley, Jagels’ speech sounded more like campaign trail rhetoric.

Jagels warned the audience that his speech would not be especially uplifting, and it was his last opportunity to address the crowd.

He pointed to the “moral cowardice” of the state legislature and signs of “a legislative conspiracy” to dismantle law enforcement and the courts.

“This era is coming in the guise of a budget crisis,” he said. “It’s happening because of the militant, left-wing liberals that don’t want to see anyone go to jail.”