The City of Victoria recognized 10 Distinguished Citizens during the Oct. 17 City Council meeting. Residents can earn the title of Distinguished Citizen by completing the three educational programs offered by the City: Citizens Academy, hosted by Communications & Public Affairs; the Civilian Police Academy, hosted by the Victoria Police Department; and the Civilian Fire Academy, hosted by the Victoria Fire Department. The programs are designed to encourage civic involvement and give residents a deeper understanding of how their local government operates. Front row, from left, are Public Safety Community Affairs Manager Lauren Meaux; Distinguished Citizens Espiridion “Speedy” Castillo, Mary Fillmore, Elizabeth Podsim, Jodi Schaefer and Jesse Joe Olivarez; and Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel; back row, from left, are Interim Fire Chief Shannon Martin; Interim Fire Marshal Jeff Cowan; Distinguished Citizens Robert R. Rodriguez Jr., Rafael Gonzales, Deborah Breeden and David “Doc” Peters; Mayor Jeff Bauknight; Victoria Police Department Capt. Jason Turner; Police Chief Chuck Young; and Deputy Chief Eline Moya. Not pictured is Distinguished Citizen Steve Shunk.