Escalon Fire Chief Rick Mello, center, presented a couple of specially designed turnout gear fire helmets during the May 1 fire department appreciation dinner. Accepting the helmets were Scott Tyrrell, left, on behalf of San Joaquin County District 5 Supervisor Robert Rickman, who represents Escalon on the county board; and San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow. In making the presentation, Chief Mello said he appreciated the good working relationship that has been established between the fire department, the county board and the Sheriff’s Department. Tyrrell is Rickman’s chief of staff and attended the dinner as Rickman was out of the area when the event was held.

Times Photo By Marg Jackson