BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The community came out to honor our local law enforcement officers at the 31st annual Officer of the Year awards dinner, hosted by the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation Thursday evening.

Bakersfield Police senior officer Louis James was awarded the Officer of the Year award.

Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin presented officer James with the award. As he presented the award, Chief Martin spoke about officer Jame's efforts in the gang unit, bomb squad, and department education.

The dinner was held at the Seven Oaks Country Club. Actor Erik Estrada, known for his role in the television show "CHiPs", was the special guest speaker at the event.

"This goes to show why I'm here," said Estrada, "because first responders are people born with an extra dose of human compassion in their DNA. To this job, you have to be a compassionate person."

Funds raised from the awards dinner will go to benefit the Kern County Law Enforcement Foundation.