Sheriff Keith Royal presented a number of awards to his deputies for outstanding service. The event took place in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at the Nevada County Government Center. The final award was presented to Sergeant Raymond Kress receiving the Medal of Valor.

Click for Sgt Kress comment on medal of Valor

The Sgt  was unable to finish his comment but Sheriff Kieth Royal shared his understanding and pride in his team.

Click for Sheriff Royal on awards

Also awarded were The SED Team receiving a Sheriff’s Commendation. The Critical Incident Negotiations Team receiving a Sheriff’s Unit Citation.
Additionally, Joseph Salivar was officially sworn in as Undersheriff (his promotion actually took effect in early March) as well as recognizing the department’s new Evidence Technician, Greg Faber.

The awards were earned during a standoff between SWAT team members and the 53-year-old male suspect that ended with Sgt. Raymond Kress firing a single shot, instantly killing the suspect and saving the victim.

The incident began September 24^th of last year, as a domestic violence call to a home of wolf Road near Lake of the Pines at 12:30 p.m

The suspect reportedly had a knife to his girlfriend’s throat threatening to kill her.

After several hours of being unable to establish communication with the suspect, the order was given for the SWAT team to enter the home at 5:15 p.m.

Sheriff Royal said a phone was thrown into the room but the suspect threw it back and barricaded himself with the victim, refusing to communicate. The suspect was a felon with prior convictions on drug and weapons charges.

The suspect was shot and killed. The women, bruised and battered, was transported to an area hospital.