Orland officer honored

Michael Stover was recognized by the Orland City Council Monday as the Officer of the Year.

Stover received the honor from Chief Paula Carr, who presented him with the Nick Mondragon Award.

Stover was chosen by the department's command staff, which included retired chief Bob Pasero and his top commanders, Carr said.

The officer demonstrated self sacrifice, a strong work ethic and the ability to handle adversity with humor and courage, she said.

These are all criteria for the award named after Mondragon, who died in 2008 after a battle with cancer.

One of Mondragon's favorite sayings was, "It's all good," his colleagues said.

Carr said it is important to have a sense of humor in law enforcement because the job can be difficult at times.

She gave Stover a certificate and noted a perpetual plaque will soon go up in the police station lobby with new recipients to be added each year.

Stover took his award stoically and left the ceremony without much comment.

He is a patrol officer and has been with the department four years.