Citizens to Receive Awards for Service

Fillmore will honor its citizen, police officer and student of the year today at a free annual bash, and all city residents are invited to attend.

In addition, state Sen. Cathie Wright (R-Simi Valley) will present a proclamation by the Legislature that celebrates May as the month of the California orange. Fillmore holds its Orange Festival May 24-26.

Retired schoolteacher Conway Spitler, 75, will receive the Citizen of the Year Award. Born in Santa Paula, educated at Fillmore High School and a longtime city resident, Spitler is active with the Chamber of Commerce and the school’s site council and alumni association. An avid gardener, he regularly furnishes fresh flowers to at least three city businesses.

“I have so many nice flowers in my garden I like to share them,” he said.

Deputy Randy Hansen, 32, who has worked for the county Sheriff’s Department in Fillmore for only two years, receives the Officer of the Year Award. Hansen is one of the station’s “top producers,” said Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Diaz, because of his expertise in identifying people under the influence of narcotics.

Jed Hipple, 18, a Fillmore High School senior, receives the Student of the Year Award, which Spitler inaugurated two years ago. Hipple is the student representative to the City Council and the school’s site council and is also active in student government.

A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., the program and proclamation are at 6 p.m. and a buffet follows at the Veterans Memorial Building. More than 175 people are expected to attend. Call the chamber at 524-0351 to RSVP.