"I went to a community watch meeting and listened to Sheriff Honea and I was sold, hook, line and sinker .. And here I am, 2 and a half years later, and I am loving it," said Bert Montoya.

STARS volunteer Bert Montoya was the first staff member to climb up on the stage and accept an award for excellent service at the Butte County Sheriff's Office's 3rd Annual Appreciation Day ceremony.

For all those in the department, It's been an incredible year.

"I am so proud of all of you, proud to be the sheriff of an organization filled with some of the best people in the world, and I'm proud of the work you do every single day," said Honea, via Skype (Sheriff Honea was unable to attend in person due to a recent death in the family).

Senator Jim Nielsen commended Sheriff Honea and all of the BCSO on the how they handled the evacuation and protection of residents during the Oroville Dam spillway crisis.

"He could make that decision based on knowledge, training and his heart," said Senator Jim Nielsen, 4th district.

And the deputies that were ordered into harms way when residents were ordered out of it.

"They we're trying to evacuate, they saw you out there but they knew someone cared, they knew you were there," said Nielsen.

The undersheriff handed out awards to exceptional staff members as well as units for their performances.

"As we more forward, there will be other challenges for us to face, but I'll face any challenge as long as I have you all by my side," said Honea.

"the deputies are, from the bottom of my heart, just amazing, and I can't do enough for BCSO," said Montoya.