Behind the Badge OC won three first place, a second place, a third place and an honorable mention Monday at the Orange County Press Club’s 2017 Excellence in Journalism Contest.
The site, which launched about three years ago, has earned 16 awards from the OCPC, including nine top honors for news and feature writing, news and feature photography and video. Photographer Steven Georges has won the club’s top news photo honors three years in a row.
This year’s awards include (with links to original stories):
First place, best news photo
Steven Georges
“Judges’ Comments: The depth of emotion and obvious love between (a woman and her husband) is simply outstanding. This certainly grips at the heartstrings!”
Nearly killed by DUI suspect, Orange police officer is humbled by outpouring of support
Third place, best feature photo
Steven Georges
Tustin PD takes a walk with elementary school students to encourage street safety
Honorable mention, best feature photo
Steven Georges
Through prayer and song, hundreds turn out to praise La Habra Police
First place, best news story, Advocacy Journalism
Jaimee Lynn Fletcher
Second place, best news story, Advocacy Journalism
Jaimee Lynn Fletcher, Bill Rams
BTB Special Report: 164 on-duty cops shot so far this year
Best News Feature Story, Advocacy Journalism
Greg Hardesty
Shot six times, this officer made sure not to let the bad guy end the career he loves dearly