From left, Fresno County Sheriff's Detective Victor Rosales, California Highway Patrol Officer Alexis Rodriguez, Fresno Police Department Detective Chris Franks and Fresno Fire Department Captain Carl Delap display their plaques at the Rotary Club of Fresno's 2026 Public Safety Hero Awards. Fresno Police Department photo

For two decades, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Rotary Club of Fresno to set aside a moment for something our community doesn’t do nearly enough — look our public safety professionals in the eye and say “thank you.”

We recognized four exceptional individuals on Monday, each representing a different agency that works tirelessly to keep the Central Valley safe.

Detective Chris Franks, Fresno Police Department, is a 31-year veteran celebrating his retirement this year. A dedicated member of the homicide unit, Detective Franks has earned a reputation not only for his investigative skill but for the mentorship he has provided to younger officers coming up through the ranks. Franks’ award was presented by Fresno Police Chief Mindy Casto.

Captain Carl Delap, Fresno Fire Department, is no stranger to recognition. In 2016, the FPD honored him with a Meritorious Service Award — one of the department’s highest distinctions — for conduct above and beyond the call of duty. The award was presented by Fresno Fire Chief Billy Alcorn.

Detective Victor Rosales, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, serves in a unit that works some of the most difficult cases imaginable. Detective Rosales has been the lead investigator on high-profile cases involving crimes against children — work that demands both professional excellence and personal resilience. The award was presented by Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

Officer Alexis Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol, represents the men and women who patrol some of the most dangerous stretches of road in California, day and night, in conditions most of us would find unimaginable. She patrols the east side of the Valley, including the Sierras — a known route used for drug trafficking. The award was presented by California Highway Patrol Lt. Raul Gonzales.

The Rotary Club of Fresno believes that recognizing heroism publicly matters — not just for the honorees, but for the community that benefits from their service every single day.

Congratulations to all four of this year’s honorees. We are safer because of you.