NEWS

Deputy Sheriff Takes Home the Gold
The Sun Reporter
Thursday, August 19, 1999  

San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey announced today that Deputy Sheriff Maurice Valentine made an exceptional showing at the World Police and Fire Games in Stockholm, Sweden, winning the gold medal in the Decathlon and setting a new record in his age group. In addition to his sweep of the two-day, ten-event decathlon, Deputy Valentine took five silver and one bronze medal in track and field events at the games which were held July 16 through 29.

Prior to taking off for the World Games in Stockholm, Deputy Valentine garnered a total of seven medals - two gold, four silver and one bronze - at the California Police Games held in Pasadena June 20 through 26. He set a new record for the 45-50 age division in the 110 High Hurdles, and holds the Decathlon record for the California Games which he established in 1996.

A ten-year veteran of the Sheriff's Department, Deputy Valentine has been competing in the Police and Fire Games throughout his career. A disciplined life-long athlete, he keeps his skills honed and enthusiasm for competition keen by serving as the head track and field coach for Berkeley High School, and volunteers with the Oakland Police Activities League to coach young athletes when he's not training for the police games. 

"Deputy Valentine is an inspiring role model for the young people to whom he devotes his time and for all of us struggling to stay fit while handling work and community commitments," said Sheriff Hennessey. "The entire Sheriff's Department joins me in welcoming him home and congratulating him on his magnificent achievement at the World Games."