A group from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department received a California On-Location Award on Sunday, Oct. 16, for its work in assisting filming in Santa Clarita. Sgt. Gregg Lewison, Sgt. Cortland Myers, Sgt. Ronald Olfert, Deputy William Velek and Deputy Lance Westfall were given the Public Employee of the Year – County award from the Film Liaisons In California, Statewide. The five are the regular team from the sheriff’s department that handles traffic during filming and interacts with the production companies over public safety matters. The group’s nomination also recognized the department’s work to implement a system in which production companies could work with the sheriff’s department locally rather than going to an office in Los Angeles, said Jason Crawford, marketing and economic development manager for the city. “Being film friendly is a major priority for Santa Clarita,” Crawford said. “Having the sheriff’s work so closely with us and so well with the film industry is a huge success for our community.” The California On-Location Awards (COLA) recognize the work of location managers and scouts as well as the local, county, state and federal employees working with them on feature film, television and commercial projects. The sheriff’s department was one of two COLA nominations from Santa Clarita. Transit Division employee Ben Gonzales was a nominee in the Public Employee of the Year – City category.