Two long-time Lassen Municipal Utility District employees were honored this week; one as an outstanding volunteer firefighter and the other for his part in foiling the getaway plans of suspects who held up the local Payless Shoe Source in October.
At Wednesday’s City Council meeting Craig Lima was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the council and the Susanville Police Department for his part in helping to apprehend three armed robbers.
Susanville Chief of Police, Tom Downing, explained that on the afternoon of Friday, October 18th, three men, armed with a handgun attempted to rob a Susanville store. Lima, in his LMUD service truck, was listening to the scanner when the 911 call came in – at the same time a vehicle matching the description with three men passed him on the road.
Lima turned his truck around, called 911, and informed dispatch that he was following the suspects, giving details as to where they were headed.
According to Chief Downing, it was Lima’s quick thinking that led the police to the suspects. “If it had not been for Craig I believe these guys would have gotten away, we have him to thank.” The suspects were arrested and have since pleaded guilty to armed robbery.
Craig was presented with a certificate that reads “In recognition of your outstanding performance in assisting the Police Department in locating the suspects who committed the robbery on October, 18, 2013 at a local retailer. We, the City Council of the City of Susanville, offer our sincere thanks for your quick thinking and responsible action for the benefit of public safety.”
Cindy Elliott received the honor of Susanville Volunteer Firefighter of the Year Wednesday evening from the Veterans of Foreign Wars/American Legion – Thomas Tucker Post 204.
Each year the organization honors local law enforcement and first responders for their service to the City of Susanville. This year Cindy was chosen for her exceptional service to the citizens of Susanville.
Elliott, who has been a volunteer firefighter for the past 8 years, is humbled by the award. “It’s such a wonderful honor,” said Cindy. “I was very surprised by the award. I feel the whole fire department shares this with me.”
