County Bestows Awards on Heroes

Nearly 200 people turned out Wednesday for a spirited ceremony at the Ventura County Government Center to recognize the struggles faced by victims of violent crime.

Crystal Endicott was among them.

As the mother of an 11-year-old child who was molested, Endicott years ago turned to a victim advocate in the district attorney’s office who helped her cope as her child’s case moved through the criminal justice system.

“Children are very scared by this process,” Endicott said, “and her just being there made it so much easier.”

The victim advocate who helped Endicott--Ellie Liston--was among those honored Wednesday during the 11th annual ceremony, which was followed by the traditional victims’ march around the government center.

Liston, a former emergency room nurse who recently died of breast cancer, was among the first advocates in this county. Her courage and capacity for caring was recognized by Dist. Atty. Michael Bradbury, who unveiled the first “Hero” award in her honor.

“This is our way of never letting Ellie’s memory fade away,” said Linda Finnerty, acting director of Victim Services.

Several other awards were given Wednesday to recognize those in law enforcement who went beyond the call of duty.

Simi Valley Police Officer Daniel Gonzales was awarded a Certificate of Heroism for reviving a 2-year-old girl after her mother found her floating lifeless in the family’s pool.

Gonzales, who arrived 47 seconds after the call for help, saved Jacey Hardesty, now 3.

“I got there and she wasn’t breathing and there was no pulse,” Gonzales recalled. “She was purple. I just started CPR. She started coughing and water was pouring out. It was a great feeling. I think out of my whole career, I won’t ever be able to do something like this again.

“Hopefully I’ll look back 20 years from now and she’ll be doing some good work,” he said, “and I can say I played a little part in keeping her around.”

Jacey’s mom, Victoria Hardesty, spoke with tears in her eyes about Gonzales’ act of heroism: “I just feel nothing in this world could say thank you enough for what he did.”

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