CANYON COUNTRY ELKS HONOR 7 FOR SERVICE.

Byline: Lisa Van Proyen Daily News Staff Writer

Battling a blaze at a Valencia industrial building a year ago, Capt. David Leary of Los Angeles County Fire Station 124 nearly died when he fell through a roof into a burning room.

He suffered third-degree burns on his hands, knees and shoulders before fellow firefighters rescued him.

U.S. Forest Service Ranger Tom Coucher rolled his four-wheel-drive down a hill while tracking off-road violators. It landed on top of him, crushing his arm and shoulder.

And Marcy Tripp, who has cooked lunch-time meals at the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center for nearly 17 years, is always within arm's reach for help, said Jay Larkins, exalted ruler of the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge.

All of these people share the will to go out of their way to help others in their community, Larkins said.

The Canyon Country fraternal organization honored seven Santa Clarita Valley people who go beyond the call of duty, awarding them plaques during an annual awards dinner Monday night, marking the largest turnout in its 29 years with 160 people.

``The whole reason for Elkdom is to help the community out,'' Larkins said. ``It's very important that there are people who appreciate them. These people need somebody to say, `Thank you.' ''

Tripp received the highest non-Elk member award, Citizen of the Year, for helping the Elks with their various events each year and serving the senior citizens in her community.

``She has gone way beyond what she is paid for,'' Larkins said. ``She's there any time we need anything in the community.''

Tripp said she was overwhelmed by the award.

``I was completely shocked because I never gave it a thought. . . . It was a complete shock,'' she said.

Barre Bodenlos, a carpenter in the Santa Clarita Valley and an Elks member, was honored as Elk of the Year for lending a hand and donating materials when needed, Larkins said.

Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's station Deputy George Guevara was recognized for setting a record in arresting more than 300 drunk drivers in a year.

California Highway Patrol Officer Ralph Casillas was honored for providing training courses for his station.

And fire engineer Mark Savage of Station 73 in Newhall was recognized for creating programs to train fire engineers, Larkins said.

Five Canyon High School students also earned scholarship awards from the Elks Lodge on Monday night.

Daniel Arellano and Amy Young both were given $1,000, and Kathryn Winter, Lindsey Lambourne and Karen Hammonds each received $500.