7 OFFICERS HONORED AS AMONG YEAR'S BEST.

Byline: Greg Botonis Staff Writer

LANCASTER - Hundreds of Antelope Valley residents and community leaders gathered Friday to honor seven local law enforcement officers named 2002 Officers of the Year.

Honorees included members of the California Highway Patrol, the state's parole agency and Department of Corrections, and the county Probation Department and Sheriff's Department, all nominated by their supervisors for outstanding work.

``These officers are out there every day protecting our freedoms,'' said masters of ceremonies Rob Parris. ``I think it's very important for our community to recognize the efforts of these men and women.''

The Park Plaza Convention Center luncheon was hosted by the Antelope Valley Bar Association and the Antelope Valley Sheriff's Boosters.

Award winners are Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officer Raymond Chavira; state parole agent James Gaupel; California State Prison-Los Angeles County Sgt. L.C. Gunn; CHP Officer Perry Heidebrink; and Los Angeles County sheriff's Deputies Edward Welbourn, Randolph Megrdle and Leo Lane.

Chavira started with the Probation Department in 1955 and served until 1959, when he took a 16-year break to teach school. He returned in 1975 and in conjunction with his normal duties became a children and families advocate, teaching the dangers of underage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. He has served with a number of task forces and commissions aimed at protecting children and families.

Gaupel earned the award for his work in the supervision of high-risk sex offenders in the Antelope Valley as well as his approach to involving the parolees in various services.

Gunn received the award for saving the life of an inmate who attempted to hang himself and set fire to his cell. Gunn broke the noose around the inmate's neck and dragged him through the flames to safety.

Heidebrink was honored for arresting more than 200 felons. He was also recognized for his role in apprehending a parolee and for restoring order at an accident scene on the Antelope Valley Freeway.

Lane, a deputy at the Palmdale sheriff's station, received the award for his work as a field training officer, training more than 15 deputies in his time with the station.

Megrdle, a deputy at the Palmdale sheriff's station, was selected for his work with the station's Target Oriented Patrol Unit in the Special Investigations Detail and for making more than 802 arrests in the past year. He has directed operations targeting transients, shopping cart thefts, illegal vending and truants.

Welbourn, a Lancaster courthouse bailiff, received the award for his work with the more than 100 inmates brought through the court each day. Welbourn also assists in various civil inquiries.