Congratulations to our  California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) members, Officers Bret Blaydes and Pete Keeney on their victories at the 2013 United States Police & Fire Championships held in San Diego June 16-21. 

The Office of Protective Services officers from the Porterville Developmental Center were awarded medals after taking part in target shooting competitions.  Per department policy, these two sworn peace officers do not carry guns, but they sure know how to shoot them.   They have competed against highway patrol officers, city police officers, sheriff’s deputies and even firefighters.   The competition, itself,  is intense.

This year:

•  Officers Blaydes and Keeney received a Bronze medal in the Team Class of the 600 yard, Large bore/three-position completion.   
• Officer Blaydes received a Gold medal in the individual course in the Marksman Class. 
•  Officer Keeney received a Silver medal in the Individual/Sharpshooter Class of the 50 yard, Small bore/three-position completion.

This is not the first time these two officers have returned home with medals.   

CSLEA featured Officer Keeney in an article last year when he returned home from the 2012 United States Police & Fire Championships a Gold and Silver medal winner. It was then, CSLEA learned of Officer Keeney’s commitment to the youth in his community. 

“Congratulations to Officers Blaydes and Keeney on their achievements,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “Their achievements in this intense competition make us all proud.  Better yet, we are proud of the work they do on a daily basis to help and protect some of California’s most vulnerable residents, the severely, developmentally disabled who live and are treated in state developmental centers.  We thank them for their passion and service.”