The Blue and Gold Award was established in 1967 to increase awareness of and respect for the risks taken by law enforcement and fire fighters in the line of duty.  Soon after, the Exchange National Board adopted the program and encouraged other clubs to implement it.  The San Jose Exchange proudly carries on this fine tradition with an annual awards luncheon.

This year's luncheon is scheduled for tomorrow, March 12th, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Wyndham Hotel, 1350 North First Street in San Jose.

This year's recipient of the Blue & Gold Award is California Highway Patrol Officer Deomichael M. Santa Maria.  On April 25, 2009, only three months after he assumed active duty, Officer Santa Maria sustained serious life-threatening injuries at the site of a trffc collision on an I-680 off-ramp at Alum Rock Avenue.

Once the scene was cleared, Officer Santa Maria was helping to clear traffic cones warning of the safety hazard when he was struck by an oncoming car.  Santa Maria suffered a fractured left forearm, dislocated left elbow, two cracks in his pelvis, cracked tail bone, two chipped ankle bones, facial lacerations and suffered a concussion.

He returned to light duty on October 26th of last year and still undergoes physical therapy.  He hopes that someday he will return to full active duty.  His goal is to get back to where he was prior to the incident.

We hope you'll join us to honor Officer Santa Maria at tomorrow's luncheon.  You can find out more about the Blue & Gold Award by clicking here or by downloading this flyer and contribution form.

Stay safe out there.