Sheriff Sherman Block recently honored 49-year-old Cecil...

Sheriff Sherman Block recently honored 49-year-old Cecil Hellofs of La Mirada for stopping an attack on a 76-year-old woman in Norwalk. On Oct. 8, 1985, Hellofs was driving a truck on Rosecrans Avenue when he saw a man attacking the woman. Hellofs stopped, grabbed a hammer and accosted the suspect, who ran away, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Hellofs telephoned sheriff’s deputies then stayed with the victim until paramedics arrived.

“Without a doubt, Mr. Hellofs’ courageous actions saved this woman’s life,” Block said. “It is indeed an honor and a pleasure for me to commend Mr. Hellofs. His bravery and commitment to his fellow man are shining examples we can all aspire to.”

Gerry Judd recently was installed as the 20th president of the Downey Shrinettes. Other officers installed include Betty Burchell, first vice president; Dorothy Morris, second vice president; Betty Atchison, secretary, and Lois Seyfreid, treasurer.

Virginia Gordon of Lakewood was named Employee of the Month for December at Charter Suburban Hospital, Paramount. Gordon works in the hospital’s business office, where she verified insurance coverage for patients. She has worked for Charter for more than six years, and was chosen for the honor by a committee of hospital employees.

At the Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Council, Lorraine June has been named public relations manager. She formerly was assistant editor for TravelAge magazines and Travel Management Daily. Barbi Mason has been promoted from convention services secretary to convention services manager.

Gil De La Rosa, mayor pro tem of Pico Rivera, is the newest member of the Beverly Hospital Foundation board of directors. The nonprofit foundation helps secure funds for the acquisition of hospital equipment, expansion and patient care.

Rep. David Dreier (R-La Verne) has nominated three Whittier residents for appointment to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.: Jennifer Flores, David Murphy and Robert Stone. They will compete with other nominees from across the country for the 1,400 appointments to the academy.