The Orange County Sheriff’s Department awarded 54 brave individuals, mostly comprised of deputies, for going above and beyond the call of duty in the year 2020 during their 33rd annual Medal of Valor event on Sept. 30. The event featured deputies recalling individual and group accounts during a pre-recorded presentation in front of the live audience. After the video presentation, Sheriff Don Barnes personally awarded each deputy their medals. Awards included medals for life-saving, merit, courage, distinguished deputy, and others. “Today’s honorees exemplify what it means to be a servant leader. Someone focused on their contributions to the community they serve, not on what is in it for them,” Barnes said during the event. “I can say without reservation, these 54 awardees represent the vast majority of peace officers who come to work each and every day to protect and serve their community. Fifty-four people whom we heard in their …