For demonstrating a strong commitment to the public safety of all Californians, Assemblyman John J. Benoit was recognized as an Outstanding Assemblymember of 2007 by the California State Sheriff's Association.

"Assemblymember Benoit is very deserving of this award," said Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff. "He is a strong supporter of law enforcement and of ensuring we have the resources we need to protect our communities.  His efforts and advocacy help us in doing our jobs as effectively as possible."

Assemblyman Benoit said, "As a former law enforcement officer, I have deep respect for my brothers and sisters of the badge who put their lives on the line each day to keep our communities safe.  I am deeply honored by this recognition."

Assembly Member Benoit is a strong advocate of law enforcement," said California State Sheriff's Association (CSSA) President, Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. "Because of his support, we are able to continue to serve and protect our communities."

The CSSA is a nonprofit professional organization comprised of California's 58 sheriffs along with thousands of law-abiding citizens throughout the state. The association was formed in 1894 for the purpose of giving California sheriffs a single effective voice.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Benoit served 31 years in law enforcement, the last 17 as the Highway Patrol Commander in the Coachella Valley.  He also served on the Desert Sands School Board.  Benoit will replace termed out Senator Jim Battin.

A partial listing of Law Enforcement Professionals supporting Benoit for Senate include:

Pat Smith, Beaumont Police Chief (Ret.) - Richard Dana, Hemet Police Chief - Bob Doyle, Riverside County Sheriff (Ret.) - Cois Byrd, Riverside County Sheriff (Ret.) - Hon. Bob Presley, Riverside County Undersheriff (Ret.) - Larry D. Smith, Riverside County Sheriff (Ret.) -  Richard Gonzales, Corona Police Chief - John Cleghorn, Corona Police Chief (Ret.) - Russ Leach, Riverside Police Chief - John De La Rosa, Riverside Police Deputy Chief - David Dominguez, Palm Springs Police Chief - Councilman Lee Weigel, Palm Springs Police Chief (Ret.) - Don Burnett, Palm Springs Police Chief (Ret.) - Henry "Hank" Rosenfeld, UCR Police Chief (Ret.) -Peter Hewitt, Hemet Police Chief (Ret.) - Brad Ramos, Indio Police Chief - Jerry Graves, Indio Police Chief (Ret.) - David Maggard, Irvine Police Chief - Robert Whitney, Blythe Police Chief - Mark Wright, Murrieta Police Chief - Scott Kirkland, El Cerrito Police Chief - John Anderson, Madera County Sheriff - Ed Prieto, Yolo County Sheriff