EPHRATA — The late Grant County sheriff’s Deputy John Bernard was named Deputy of the Year for 2009.

“It was a very simple ceremony,” said Grant County Deputy Sheriff’s Association President Matt Messer. “It was pretty emotional.”

Bernard is the fourth member of law enforcement to be honored with the award by the association. He is the only deputy to die in the line of duty in the sheriff’s department’s history.

“The Grant County Deputy Sheriffs Association fondly remembers their fallen partner and is proud to have known such a great man,” Messer explained. “The award is just a token of our appreciation in the sacrifice he and his family made for the citizens of Grant County. We truly miss our friend, one of our fathers and our partner.”

The award was accepted on John’s behalf by his wife Tami and his two sons, Brandon and Jeff.

Bernard, 52, died in a crash while on patrol Jan. 3, on Road 5 near Ephrata. His car left the roadway and rolled.

After the accident, a public memorial service was held, attended heavily by the community and law enforcement from across the state, Oregon and Canada.