The Rotary Club of Murrieta presented Vocational Service Awards to five individuals during a luncheon on Monday, Feb. 23. The annual awards luncheon, chaired by Murrieta Rotarian Mary Walters was held in the Murrieta Community Center, with city, education, and health care leaders in attendance.
Featured speakers for the event were Nyron Mclean Rotary District 5330 Governor and Kirk Effinger, President of the Rotary Club of Murrieta emceed.
Nominated by their agencies for distinguished vocational and community service during 2025, the winners of the Vocational Service Award are Coley Candaele, Brandon Roach, Joseph Dai, Sarah Taylor, and Matt Schmidt.
Coley Candaele, Murrieta Valley Unified School District
The Teacher/Coach is recognized for his 31 years in education, including the last 25 years at the Murrieta Valley USD. Coley’s leadership has built programs and traditions beyond the classroom, mentoring students and strengthening community connections to foster a unified school experience.
Brandon Roach, Murrieta Fire & Rescue
A Fire Captain with 15 years of service. Brandon developed the Tiller Training program for the department’s new 100-foot tiller ladder truck. He leads three major programs: Technical Rescue, Tiller Training, and Firefighter BBQ Hospitality area (aka Beer Garden).
Joseph Dai, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Murrieta
Lead Physical Therapist with 29 years as a healthcare veteran, Joseph has spent the last 12 years at Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta. He values honest, transparent communication with patients, families, and colleagues, and participates in community health education and initiatives that support underserved populations.
Sarah Taylor, Southwest Healthcare
A Stroke Program Manager with 10 years in healthcare (the last two years at Southwest Healthcare), Sarah has led the stroke program’s growth in patient volume and quality of care. She advocates stroke awareness, representing Southwest at local senior event and community gatherings, and educates the public on recognizing stroke symptoms and the appropriate actions to take.
Matt Schmidt, Murrieta Police Department
Sergeant Schmidt, is a 21-year police veteran (the last 8 with Murrieta Police Department). Matt leads the Community Policing team/CBAT. He contributes to community outreach and youth-focused initiatives and supports programs such as E-Bike safety events, Shop With a Cop, and Coffee With a Cop.
The Rotary Club of Murrieta is honored to recognize these outstanding citizens.
The Rotary Club of Murrieta was chartered on April 28, 1992. In cooperation with Rotary International, the Rotary Club of Murrieta is involved in many community and international projects. Along with Rotary International, the Murrieta club stays true to the Rotary theme “Service Above Self”. The Murrieta club meets every Monday (excepts for Holidays) at Richie’s Real American Diner in Murrieta for lunch at noon.
Submitted by the Rotary Club of Murrieta.
