Congressman Valadao to bring Delano police officer as State of the Union guest

U.S. Rep. David G. Valadao will bring an officer of the Delano Police Department as his guest for President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address on Jan. 12.

Valadao said he chose officer Mark Morales to honor the sacrifices and service of law enforcement officers.

Morales, who is originally from Exeter, joined the Delano Police Department in 2014 as a patrol officer. From 2000 to 2008, Morales served in the Marines.

During his four years of active duty military service, Morales was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Morales will be visiting Washington, D.C., for the first time.

This story was originally published January 11, 2016 at 10:49 PM with the headline "Congressman Valadao to bring Delano police officer as State of the Union guest."