(County Posthumously awards the Medal of Merit)....It was presented by the County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Kelley's parents and family were at the Board of Supervisors meeting to accept the award. The Medal of Merit is the highest award presented by the County Board of Supervisors. An advocate of the Imperial Valley throughout his professional career, Kelley served as General Manager of the Imperial Irrigation District for 8 years, guiding the district in protecting the Imperial Valley water rights, bringing attention to the Salton Sea, and continuously striving to make the Imperial County a better place for all. Prior to be named IID General Manager in 2011, Kelley's career included working for the El Centro Chamber of Commerce, Co-founding Valley Grower Magazine, serving as opinion page editor of the Imperial Valley Press. District 4 County Supervisor Ryan Kelley, Kevin's brother, said the Kelley family was honored to accept the medal and recognition on behalf of their deported son, father, brother. He said Kevin Kevin would enjoy the ceremony and take the opportunity to acknowledge all the people in his life that made an impact on him. The Supervisor said Our family thanks the Board of Supervisors and the County of Imperial for the honor and we know Kevin is enjoying it as well. Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Mike Kelley said Kevin Kelley's death is an enormous loss to our community. He said his contributions and insight helped shape the IID and the Imperial Valley, and his legacy will live on for years.