By Rodney Wardle, News Channel 3 Reporter
rwardle@kesq.com

INDIAN WELLS - Sergeant Gus Paiz took the stage with his fellow Desert Hot Springs police officers and members of the Riverside County District attorney's office. The group represented the hundreds of federal, state and local officers involved in Operation Falling Sun, the largest gang raid in Riverside County history.

"It was part of history. It was the first thing in riverside county that was done and it was very prestigious for me to be involved in a team like that. Very emotional for me," says Sgt. Paiz.

Nearly 700 officers took part in the gang crackdown. Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco organized the raid. He's grateful for the award.

"That was a great day. It was very rewarding for us it went without a hitch we arrested a lot of bad guys, got them out of the community and that was a great honor in and of itself," says Pacheco.

Many who walked across this stage shared the D.A.'s humility. The Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce, with the help of News Channel 3's Karen Devine, honored police officers, sheriff's deputies and firefighters who saved lives and made our communities better places to live.

The city also honored everyday citizens. Kelly Bromley helped a man stabbed on her neighbor's porch.

"I didn't know right quick, but I knew there was a lot of blood and I said, 'Don't anyone touch him.' I knew safety first that kicked in right away and got my gloves and all my stuff," says Bromley.

Bromley says her mom and daughter are very proud of her quick thinking that helped save a man's life. Many of these everyday heroes are quick to dismiss the applause. They say they're just doing their job. And, for the people they saved and those they helped it's a job well done.