Marana Police Department Officer Erin Ysaguirre has become the first woman police officer to be honored by the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Foundation with its Unsung Heroes Award.

Ysaguirre was among four law enforcement officers honored by the foundation, who for the first time opened the awards to several local agencies. The award is designed to recognize law enforcement officers who go above and beyond their service to the community. 

Ysaguirre, who joined the Marana Police Department in 2010, was awarded for her service with the Marana Police Department as well as for her off-duty community involvement that includes "Tip a Cop," Law Enforcement Torch Run events, and the Special Olympics.  She also represented the Marana Police Department at Camp Fury, where she served as an instructor. The camp is designed to introduce teen girls to careers in public safety and provides hands-on training to the young women. 

As a regular instructor at the Marana Police Department, Ysaguirre serves as a field training officer and mentor to new officers. She also teaches at the Marana Police Department Police Academy and volunteers on a regular basis at her daughter's school. 

Prior to joining the Marana Police Department team, she served with the Flagstaff Police Department for three years.