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The Baker to Vegas Relay Race was started in 1985 and is a 20 leg, 120 mile relay race that, as you can guess by the name, runs from the city of Baker, through Pahrump, and finishes at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The Orange County Sheriff's Department has been a perennial competitor in the race since its inception. This year, our department competed in the Mixed Sworn Division for the first time, combining the fastest men and women of the department.
The Mixed team came in second place in the division and 23rd overall. Everyone received one of the coveted Baker To Vegas Mugs and the team was brought on stage for a picture with Sheriff Hutchens. The conditions of the race were difficult as the temperatures reached over 100 degrees. One of our runners had to be air lifted to the hospital as a precaution, but, fortunately, was quickly cleared and released. After fifteen and a half hours of running there were no serious injuries or team penalties to report.
The Crime Lab Team also finished and reported no injuries or penalties. The team dedicated their race efforts to Forensic Scientist Laurie Crutchfield, who passed away unexpectedly last year.
The teams would like to thank AOCDS, Lumenyte Share My Coach, Dr. April Lopez, and, of course, the many volunteers who assisted.
The County of Orange will participate again this year in the collection of diapers, baby food and baby hygiene products as part of the 2012 Essentials for Young Lives Donation Drive. The drive is being conducted by HomeAid Orange County and the baby care items collected will be distributed to shelters throughout Orange County. Families are the fastest growing segment of Orange County’s homeless population. By receiving these “essential” items, it allows the shelters to expand the use of their already limited resources to help their clients achieve self-sufficiency. The drive will be May 4th-11th. Bins will be placed throughout the Department May 1st-3rd. Any assistance to this worthy cause will be appreciated.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens with Crime Survivors Founder CEO Patricia Wenskunas
On Friday, April 27th, 2012, four Sheriff's Department members, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Investigator Mike Thompson, Deputy Paul Villenueve, and Dispatch Supervisor Aaron Berenschot were among the 65 award recipients at the Annual Crime Survivors Awards Banquet. All four were awarded the "Empower to Survive and Thrive Above and Beyond" award. Crime Survivors, Inc. is an organization whose vision is, "for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, by receiving the respect, support and protection from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community."
Investigator Marcus Perez receives Medal of Valor
BY SALVADOR HERNANDEZ / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
IRVINE – Investigator Mike Thompson chased down leads in a murder case for two years until the prime suspect was convicted and sentenced. Investigator Marcus Perez chased a robbery suspect down a South County street until he took him into custody.
Both men, as well as 24 other deputies from the Orange County Sheriff's Department and a police officer from Tustin, were recognized at the department's Medal of Valor ceremony for their exceptional work, which included saving lives, putting themselves in danger or being persistent in solving crimes. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens called them examples of the best and most tenacious officers in the department.
"We have some incredible recipients," Hutchens said.
More than 700 people - including deputies, families and county officials – attended the ceremony and luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Irvine.
Senior Deputy Brad Olsen and Tustin Police officer Tim Carson were among those recognized in the ceremony after they prevented a grieving woman from killing herself.
The two men were notifying Tustin parents about the death of their 21-year-old son who had died in a crash in Riverside. The son had not returned after going out the previous night, and the family was already growing worried.
"She sat down (at) the dining room table," Carson said of the man's mother.
After the two men explained what happened she blurted out that she wanted to die, he said.
A split second later, she was on her feet and grabbed several large kitchen knives she kept on the kitchen counter. She was pulling the knives to her chest when Olsen and Carson both dashed to stop her.
"She never got the knives to her body," Olsen said.
Olsen received the Medal of Courage. Carson was awarded a plaque for courage.
Homicide investigator Mike Thompson was awarded the Medal of Merit for his two-year investigation of a missing Phoenix man. It was the first homicide case in which Thompson was assigned the lead investigator, and only the second case in the Orange County Sheriff's Department in which a conviction was won despite a body never being found.
The case took several odd turns – including an unsubstantiated claim that the missing man was spotted in Mexico.
"His stories just didn't make sense," Thompson said of the now-convicted business partner who claimed he was trying to find the missing man as well.
Instead, authorities believe he killed his business partner to keep police from finding out he was bilked out of $1 million.
"He had to plan this," Thompson said, calling the murder a "cold and calculating" homicide.
The top honor was awarded to Investigator Marcus Perez, who chased down a suspected robber on Dec. 13, 2011, in Lake Forest.
Perez and his partner were headed back to their office after conducting several unrelated interviews when they saw two people chasing down a man in a shopping center's parking lot.
Perez said he knew something was wrong.
"We turned the radio on and confirmed a robbery had just taken place," he said.
Perez turned the car around and, as two civilians and the suspect turned into a residential area, he began to give chase on foot.
"My main concern was protecting and assisting the two citizens that were chasing (the suspect)," Perez said.
As he ran, Perez learned that the suspect was armed.
A confrontation occurred and Perez shot the suspect. Authorities later identified the robbery suspect as 28-year-old Alejandro Oregel.
Oregel was treated at a local hospital and then transferred to county jail.
It was a precarious situation, Perez said, because he understood he was dealing with a possibly armed suspect in an area surrounded by homes with an elementary school nearby.
A total of 63 people were considered for the awards before the 27 were selected.
Marilyn MacDougall, executive administrator of the Sheriff's Advisory Council, organizer of the Orange County Sheriff's Department 24th annual luncheon and more, receives a standing ovation and a hug from Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who gave her the Sheriff's Award.
BY EUGENE W. FIELDS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
YORBA LINDA – A four-decade relationship between Yorba Linda and Brea for police services didn't end Tuesday night. It ended Wednesday morning.
In a nine-hour meeting that concluded after 3 a.m., the Yorba Linda City Council awarded the Orange County Sheriff's Department a five-year contract for police services.
Nearly 500 people attended the meeting, which began Tuesday evening at the Yorba Linda Community Center and continued long into the night.
The City Council decided on the proposal from the Sheriff's Department, which will cost the city $9.8 million for a year, including start-up costs.
After hearing proposals from the Anaheim Police Department, Brea Police Department and the Sheriff's Department, a public hearing began at midnight.
Anaheim Chief John Welter led his city's presentation, emphasizing that city's closeness to Yorba Linda in proximity and demographics. Anaheim outlined a package that annually would have cost $10.9 million, not including start-up costs of nearly $887,000.
"Our children attend the same schools and play on the same sports teams," Welter said. "We also share some of the same crime issues, and our 10-mile mutual border makes Anaheim a good fit."
Brea City Manager Tim O'Donnell and Police Chief Jack Conklin led their city's presentation, emphasizing the two municipalities' 42-year history and fast response times.
"No other agency knows this community like we do," O'Donnell said.
Brea offered two options: One retained the current level of service for $10.7 million annually, and the other would have cut two officers and cost $10.3 million.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens led her agency's presentation, emphasizing the department's resources.
"In a major emergency, there is no limit to the resources we can bring," Hutchens said.
Nearly 50 from the public stayed to express their opinions – mostly in favor of retaining Brea's force.
"I consider Yorba Linda the safest place to live," said resident Gene Hernandez. "Public safety is the No. 1 job of a city government. The ultimate question remains: Which agency can provide the best service?"
Most of the residents wore yellow buttons that read "Brea Yes!"
The final vote was 3-2: Council members John Anderson and Nancy Rikel and Mayor Mark Schwing voted for the Sheriff's Department; Councilmen Tom Lindsey and Jim Winder dissented.
Hutchens said she would be willing to hire displaced Brea police officers and work to prove her department's worth to the community.
"We will spend time in the community and get to know the issues," she said. "We want to hit the ground running."
The process began last November when the City Council gave an 18-month notice to Brea that it might terminate its contact for police services. City leaders said they were happy with Brea's service – the department has been patrolling Yorba Linda streets since 1970 – but they wanted to find a way to lower the cost.
The cost for Brea's services this fiscal year is $11.4 million, with the city facing a $3 million budget shortfall. It has made cuts in every area except police services, which is 40 percent of the city's budget.
The Sheriff's Department will take over in May 2013.
IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of a violent attack against an Orange County woman who was drugged, beaten, bound and assaulted.
The woman, Patricia Wenskunas, fought off her attacker and survived. Now she fights for other crime survivors.
The April 4, 2002 attack began when Wenskunas was drugged by Jeffrey Kelavos, a personal trainer she trusted. She awoke to find herself stripped naked with her face covered with plastic wrap.
"He was head-butting me and banging my head into the wall, and just screaming that he was going to kill my son," Wenskunas said. "Ultimately, he could have killed my son. He could have killed me, for what reason I have no idea still to this day."
Luckily her son, who was 12 years old at the time, wasn't home.
Wenskunas fought back and escaped by jumping from her 12-foot balcony.
Kelavos was later convicted of assaulting and threatening her. He received only 120 days in jail, which bothers her to this day.
"We should have judges and a system that protects us, and sadly that didn't happen in my case," she said.
The sentencing was a turning point for Wenskunas. It compelled her to start Crime Survivors, an organization that provides guidance and support to victims of crimes.
"I've seen her reach out to other crime survivors in a very personal basis and she'll do it at a moment's notice," said Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.
Recently, Orange County Crime Stoppers was launched to encourage people to report crimes through anonymous tips
On the anniversary of the attack, Wenskunas plans to spend the day with her grandchildren celebrating at Disneyland.
"I'm not going to allow a criminal or an evil person to take my life or my future," she said. "I am a survivor and I am proud of it."
To see Channel 7 ABC coverage, click on hyperlink below:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Forange_county&id=8607385
OCSD Deputy Rodger Williams, receives Michael Jordan jersey from Deputy Rob Pequeno
BY ERIKA RITCHIE / OC REGISTER
When comedian George Perez found out about the sacrifices an Orange Country Sheriff's deputy was making for his critically injured son, he said it touched his heart.
"I kind of knew what he was going through," Perez, of Anaheim Hills, said. "I had a son who drowned in the bathtub when he was six-month old after the babysitter left him unattended. He was in a coma for years and then he passed away. I know what a father feels like. I wanted him to know he's not alone and to just fight and believe."
Perez, 35, who's been on Comedy Central, MTV and Showtime and has performed multiple times at the Brea and Irvine Improv, hosted a comedy jam night at the Hotel Huntington Beach. He also called on fellow comedians and friends, Edwin San Juan and Jeff Garcia to help out.
More than 300 people turned out to the event coordinated by Rosie Santana. The event raised $6,258 for Jimmy and his parents Angela and Rob Pequeño. The couple has kept vigil at their son's bedside since the crash.
Jimmy Pequeño, 18, was seriously injured in a single car crash on July 1 in Trabuco Canyon when he lost control of the vehicle he was driving and struck an electrical pole. Pequeño was trapped in the car and had to be cut out with the Jaws of Life. His passenger Avery Bean suffered minor injuries.
Pequeño was left with a fractured skull, collapsed lung, broken shoulder, jaw and leg, and a temporal bone that went through his ear canal. For more than a month after the accident, he lay in a coma. He has undergone 10 surgeries. He still requires 24-hour care and physical therapy. He has become a little more responsive to voice commands.
The hotel and numerous vendors including JC Events, Stars Above Balloons, MDR Photography, AQV Photography, The Auld Irisher in Orange, Need4Tees, Red Eye Entertainment, ESJ Comedy and OC Gente! donated their contributions to the effort.
Santana, who also knows firsthand what devastating affects a sick child can have on a family, said she had to reach out to the Pequeños after hearing about their efforts to raise funds to create a hospital-like setting in their home and bring their son home.
"Ten years ago our six-month-old daughter passed away," Santana, an office supervisor at OCSD, said. "She was hospitalized when doctors found she had cerebral palsy, epilepsy and a rare brain disease. We struggled financially and I know what it's like to have a sick child."
In February Jimmy Pequeño came home thanks to a huge community effort to raise nearly $100,000. Restaurants donated proceeds. There were bake sales and car washes.
Jimmy's longtime girlfriend, Nicole Patteson, 18, made blue rubber bracelets and raised more than $1,000. Serrano Intermediate School students and football and wrestling teams at El Toro High all helped. The "Bring Jimmy Home" campaign was spearheaded by former Assistant Sheriff Rocky Hewitt and longtime Pequeño family friends Janine and Jim Waddell.
Hewitt, who is the chair of the committee to "Bring Jimmy Home" said the comedy jam helped put the total proceeds raised over $100,000."It was the community of Lake Forest and the greater community of Orange County including Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs that all came together," Hewitt said. "Kudos!
Retired Assistant Sheriff Dr. John "Rocky" Hewitt, committee chairman
Matthew Baric, 5, gets his head shaved as he sits with his father, Mayor Pro Tempore Steven Baric, during the St.Baldrick's Foundation's fifth annual head-shaving event in Rancho Santa Margarita.
By LOU PONSI / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Andrew Sprague, 11, doesn't forget his battle with leukemia and the associated radiation treatments that left him without hair.
While Andrew's cancer has been in remission for years, the Ladera Ranch boy still sheds hair, but now it's by choice.
Andrew was among about 300 people who got their hair buzzed off at the Bell Tower Foundation Community Center in Rancho Santa Margarita recently to raise money and awareness for childhood cancer.
"I think it's awesome that so many people are willing to shave their heads for kids like me," Andrew said.
Close to $110,000 was raised at the fifth annual event, estimates Eddie Northern, who has organized the mass hair cutting fundraiser from the beginning with his wife Mayra and their children Nicky, 13, and Mitchell, 11.
The money goes to St. Baldrick's Foundation, a charity that gives grants to organizations that conduct childhood cancer research.
Northern has seen the event blossom from a few dozen participants who helped raise $25,000 during the first event five years ago. The event has raised as much as $125,000 in the past.
"The thing that excites me is seeing others give back," Northern said. "From young, young kids all the way to adults ... The hope is that one day no kid will have to die from this terrible disease."
Those who volunteered to have their locks cut were asked to raise at least $40, but many raised thousands, Northern said.
Schools, Scout groups, church groups and other community organizations also held fund-raising campaigns for the effort, which included about 120 volunteers. All the hair cutters also volunteered their time.
Another longtime participant was Stacey Teramae, 41, a proud member of the "Bald Housewives of Orange County," who had 12 inches of hair snipped off.
Teramae raised $500 and her cut locks will go to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, which uses the hair to make wigs for those who have undergone radiation treatment.
"If my hair can do something for someone else, then why not," Teramae said. "This is nothing ... It grows back."
Orange County Sheriff's Department Sergeant Joseph McClintock gets his head shaved as he participates in the St.Baldrick's Foundation fifth annual head-shaving event in Rancho Santa Margarita.
On Thursday, March 8, 2012, MADD Orange County held their 25th Annual Law Enforcement and Prosecutor Recognition Luncheon at the Richard M. Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. The following Department members were honored:
Deputy of the Year- Deputy Wayne Dixon, Mission Viejo Police Services
Stepping Forward Volunteer Service Award- Reserve Deputy Pam Peters
Officer Volunteer Award- 5-10 Years of Service- Deputy Rich Nelson, Lake Forest Police Services
Officer Volunteer Awards- 1-5 Years of Service- Reserve Deputies Blaze Bhence, Victoria Foster, Victor Nodtvedt, Peter Ricigliano, Mike Skelly, and Don Stone, Reserve and Volunteers Bureau
Deuce Award, 50-75 Arrests- Deputies Mathew LeFlore and Corey Mayer, Lake Forest Police Services
Deuce Award, 25-49 Arrests- Deputies KC Calder and Jerry Contreras- Dana Point Police Services; Deputy Scott Watson- Laguna Hills Police Services; Deputies Richard Castro, Justin Osterfeld, John Popp, and Ronald Rhodes- Mission Viejo Police Services;Deputies Michael Carrillo and Jeremiah Prescott- San Clemente Police Services; Deputies Kasey Marshall and William Simandl- San Juan Capistrano Police Services; Deputy Mark Baltodano- Stanton Police Services; Deputies Ali Pahlavan, Scott Steinle, and Ronald West- North Operations.
Congratulations to all of the honorees!!!
Basic Academy Class 199 graduated from the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy on March 7, 2012. There were 34 recruits that graduated out of a starting class of 43. The graduates represented the Orange County Sheriff's Department, Downey Police Department, Irvine Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Tustin Police Department, Santa Monica Police Department, the United States Navy, and Santa Ana College.
Recruits from Class 199 receive the Oath of Office from Sheriff Hutchens
The ceremony turned into a family affair as Class 199's elected Class President, Deputy Patrick White, spoke on behalf of the class only to be followed, after an introduction by Sheriff Hutchens, by his father, Captain Ron White, the keynote speaker of the ceremony. Captain White shared tips that lead to success to the new graduates that he has learned over his 32 year career, including taking 30 seconds a day to shine your badge and reflecting on the sacrifices that have been made to wear it. They were later joined on stage by Central Men's Jail Deputy Robert White, who is Patrick's brother, and proud wife and mom, Colleen, Captain White's wife of 32 years.
Deputy Patrick White with proud papa, Captain Ron White
The evening ended with the 34 newest members to our law enforcement family taking the oath of office. Congratulations and welcome to the 20 newest Deputy Sheriff's. They are a talented group of Deputies that, for the first time in memory, swept all the Special Achievement Awards, led by Deputy Curtis Hazell, who won five awards himself,including the Outstanding Officer Award.
Deputy Curtis Hazell receives the Outstanding Officer Award from Sheriff Hutchens
Pictures provided by Randy Frager
On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, Class 199 laced up their running shoes for the traditional Hot Dog Run along Huntington State Beach. On this cool and cloudy day, escorted by police motorcycles, their Tactical Staff, and accompanied by over 40 friends, family and department members, the recruits ran a 10K that included a stop at the end of the Huntington Beach Pier to do 25 "highly motivated" push ups near Ruby's Diner. It was a fitting last physical training session for the recruits, who took a break to eat a Hot Dog or two before beginning preparations for their graduation on March 7, 2012.
On Saturday night, March 3, 2012, Deputy Ana Macedo, currently assigned to the Lamoreaux Justice Center, represented the Orange County Sheriff's Department in the Battle of the Badges at Pala Casino. Deputy Macedo, a graduate of Basic Academy Class 181 and a five year veteran of the Department, won a unanimous three round decision over Natali Salazar, who represented the Rialto Police Department. It was each combatants' first sanctioned bout. In an action-packed fight, Ana was the clearcut victor, much to the delight of her many supporters in attendance.
Ana Macedo raises her arms in victory!!!
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAKE FOREST – When Howard Larnard learned about a Lake Forest couple's struggle to bring their critically injured son home, he knew his family had to help.
Larnard, 80, of Mission Viejo was touched when he read the story of Rob Pequeño, an Orange County Sheriff's deputy, and his wife Angela's dedication to their son Jimmy. He also knew from his own experience what the family was going through.
"I saw the story in the O.C. Register and one short sentence, 'The family also needs a van with a lift for wheelchair access,' " he said. "That was all I needed to see."
Larnard had that van. He bought the Ford 350 with a Braun lift in 2008 when his wife of 59 years, Anna, fell down a staircase. She required seven surgeries and was hospitalized for a year following the accident. The van only had 4,000 miles on it and Larnard knew it would make life for the Pequeños easier.
Last week Jimmy Pequeño, 18, came home thanks to a community campaign that helped build a special hospital-like room at the Pequeño's Lake Forest home. That's when Larnard made contact with Rob Pequeño. He and Anna went to Lake Forest City Hall and with the help of the Police Services presented the van and exchanged the necessary paperwork to make the legal transfer.
"Next to getting the room built, getting a van was our biggest worry," said Rob Pequeño, 47. "They took that worry away when they gave it to us. You hear about acts of kindness — this was huge. They went through something similar and they knew exactly what we were going through."
Howard and Anna Larnard had a connection to the Pequeño story. It was in 1977 when their own son, Patrick, then 19, was critically injured in a crash on the 22 off-ramp to the 55 freeway.
Patrick Larnard, like Jimmy Pequeño, was cut from the wreckage with the Jaws of Life. With broken bones, internal injuries and a traumatic brain injury, he lay in a coma at Western Medical Center in Santa Ana for three months. It would be a year before he became fully conscious.
The Larnards, like the Pequeños, kept a vigil at their son's side.
"We lived at the hospital," Anna Larnard said. "With someone like that you never, never leave them alone. I wore his favorite perfume, Shalimar, and we played his favorite music. We constantly wanted to stimulate his brain. There was one of us in his room all the time. Even the priest would come daily."
Patrick Larnard's first sign of recovery was on a day when he heard some of his favorite music. His arms were folded on his chest and his twin brother said, "Bro, play the drums," Anna Larnard remembered.
"He started moving his hands back and forth," she said.
A year after the crash, Patrick left the hospital. He had been athletic so he got back to that as best he could. Three years after the crash, he rode in a charitable bike ride in Irvine and won, beating Brad Gates, he said. He went to Orange Coast College and continued his studies and he worked in construction. He got married and had a daughter who this year is getting married.
"I'm lucky and blessed," said Patrick Larnard, now 54. "Getting through this wasn't easy. It took all of my family to through this. To be who I am now, took time."
The Pequeños, too, are hopeful, that time will help heal Jimmy. But for now they are thankful for what the Larnards have done to make their path easier.
A non-profit organization promises anonymity and one telephone number for anyone who wants to provide a tip to law enforcement in Orange County.
By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Two men had tied up a 90-year-old woman at gunpoint and ransacked her home. For investigators, their best lead was the brief look the victim got of one of the men's faces.
It was enough for a sketch of the suspect that investigators released to the public. It's the type of effort that could help police make a fast arrest.
Minutes after the sketch was released online and on television, Aaron Berenschot's phone started beeping with anonymous tips. Two of the tips gave Berenschot – a dispatch supervisor with the sheriff's department - the same name. The next day, a suspect was in custody.
"You can't receive too many tips," said Berenschot, who is now also the coordinator for Orange County Crime Stoppers.
Law enforcement agencies are hoping for more tips like that with the launch of Orange County Crime Stoppers, a non-profit tip line that is working with all law enforcement agencies in the county get leads from the public. Many police agencies in the county already had their own telephone number for tips, but officials said by combining efforts they may be able to generate more help from the public.
The tip-line accepts text messages, phone calls and online message, and acts as a central line for those who wish to be anonymous, said Patricia Wenskunas, founder and CEO of nonprofit line.
As the coordinating agency for the line, the Orange County Sheriff's Department receives the original tip and distributes the information to the appropriate police department. The line can receive tips for specific crimes or general information residents want to give police department with the guarantee that their identity will not be revealed, Wenskunas said.
"Everyone wants to do the right thing, but some don't want to make the call," she said. "We're in a safe community, but crime still happens here."
This tip line protects their identity, she said, "and nobody knows who they are. They are not asked for their name, ever."
The possibility of being identified can dissuade the public from coming forward, Wenskunas said.
System working elsewhere
Wenskunas, founder of Crime Survivors Inc., had already established relationships with several police agencies in Orange County as a crime victim's advocate when she began to look at Crime Stoppers.
A national organization with chapters across the United States, the first Crime Stoppers was founded in 1976. On its website, Crime Stoppers USA now lists 298 chapters across the country.
"It's a really good system that's been working for 30 years," Wenskunas said. "For me, it's about keeping criminals off the street."
Three years ago, Wenskunas began meeting with Crime Stoppers in Los Angeles and San Diego to find out how to start an Orange County line. She also met with the police chief's association, to make sure county police departments would participate.
The response was positive, Wenskunas said, and in late 2011 the Orange County Sheriff's Department began to distribute the new tip line number.
The sheriff's department already had a tip line set up, but Orange County Crime Stoppers provided anonymity, Berenschot said. Now tipsters could also text and email information to a central number that could reach all police agencies in the county.
"We're really not doing anything new, it's just a formalized way and a 21st Century way to do it," said Berenschot, who is now working as the Orange County Crime Stoppers Coordinator.
Tips coming in already
Police have already received dozens of tips from the public at O.C. Crime Stoppers, despite the fact that the telephone number and website have not been publicized widely.
Several of the have already led to arrests.
Anonymous tipsters can send in pictures and they can follow up on the information they provide without revealing their identities.
"You're not going to have to worry about being victimized yourself," Wenskunas said.
Despite the anonymity, authorities can still interact with tipsters via text message and ask follow up information, Berenschot said. The tipster decides when they want to stop interacting.
"I think, ultimately, we know there are people that just fear repercussion," he said. "Now they have a way to do it."
Investigators in all of Orange County's police agencies are being informed on the new system and how it works, Berenschot said. Some police departments will likely continue distributing their own telephone number for a while, he said, but the Orange County Crime Stoppers line may be distributed alongside.
The tip line, he said, will just add another way that people can help law enforcement.
"We will do both in the beginning," said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna of the Santa Ana Police Department. "It will be on a case-by-case basis, but our goal is to include it in all of them."
Orange County Crime Stoppers is still looking to recruit board members and donations, as it is a non-profit organization, Wenskunas said.
To submit tips and contact Crime Stoppers, you can call 855-TIP-OCCS or 855-847-6227. You can also reach Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestoppers.org.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANNING SURVEY
TO PHONE RESIDENTS
Starting on February 13th, thousands of Orange County residents will be called to participate in an important evacuation planning survey. The survey will gather critical information to improve evacuation plans for all types of disasters – both man-made and natural.
“Planning for emergencies requires well-founded, reliable data,” said Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. “I urge residents to take a few minutes to answer the survey. Ultimately, it’s for the safety of our community.”
Questions will focus on information such as “How long does it take you to drive from work to home?” and “How many vehicles are typically available to your household if an evacuation was necessary?” No personal questions will be asked in the survey. All calls made during weekdays will occur between 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. On weekends, calls will reach residents between 10:00a.m. – 8:00p.m.
Response to the survey will take approximately 10 minutes. The survey is not related to any specific hazard or event and will benefit overall emergency planning. The survey results will provide emergency management agencies with a better estimate of the number of people evacuating in a given area, the number of vehicles used to evacuate, and the amount of time needed to prepare for evacuation.
For additional information regarding the telephone survey or planning for emergencies, call the Orange County Sheriff’s Emergency Management Bureau at (714) 628-7054.
On Saturday, February 4, 2012, Recruits from Basic Academy Class 199 and Basic Academy Class 200, along with the Tactical Staff of the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy, ran in the 12th Annual "Run for Russ" 5K in the City of Chino.
This run is dedicated to the memory of Officer Russ Miller of the Chino Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on February 1, 2000.
Miller, a 12 year veteran, was struck by a vehicle while conducting a routine traffic stop. The driver of the suspect vehicle was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was convicted of their crimes.
The 5K run crosses directly in front of the Russ Miller Memorial, on the corner of 12th and Schaefer.
At the Memorial site, our Academy representatives joined the recruits and staff from the San Bernardino Sheriff's Academy to complete 25 "Highly Motivated" push ups in honor of Officer Miller.
The Academy also supported the "Bring Jimmy Home" Fundraiser in support of Deputy Robert Pequeno and his family by wearing the fundraiser's blue wristbands. (see photo below)
Pictured with Sheriff Hutchens from left to right: Arlo Arcinas (287G ICE Area Program Director), Deputy Ronnie Garcia, Deputy Claudia Cortes, Deputy Rudy Rodriguez, Deputy Joe Ramirez, Elaine Smith (287G ICE Area Supervisor)
Deputies Claudia Cortes, Ronnie Garcia, Rudy Rodriguez and Joe Ramirez are the latest graduates of the IADP (Immigration Authority Delegation Program) Class 202.
Their training was conducted at FLETC (Federal Law Enforcement Training Center), in Charleston, South Carolina and ran from January 9th through February 3rd, 2012. They will have additional specialized training over the next two weeks provided by the Department of Homeland Security located in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.
Once completed, they will join the ranks of ICE Deputies at the Central Jail Complex. Their duties will include the screening of new bookings and working in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security. All four deputies finished near the top of Class 202 in final testing and should be commended for representing the finest that the Orange County Sheriff's Department has to offer.
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Two freeway signs designating I-5 through San Clemente as the "Officer Richard T. Steed Memorial Highway" were dedicated Friday afternoon in a ceremony attended by state Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, San Clemente city officials and former San Clemente Police Department personnel.
The celebration was at Adele's at the San Clemente Inn, near a Steed sign along the northbound I-5 just south of Avenida Magdalena. The sign on the southbound side is just south of Camino de la Estrella.
Harkey, R-Dana Point, led a bill through the California Legislature in 2011 to designate San Clemente's stretch of I-5 in memory of Steed, the only officer in the now-defunct San Clemente Police Department to be killed in the line of duty. He was shot to death Nov. 29, 1978, while responding to a call for help.
Local fundraising provided the $5,000 the California Department of Transportation needed to create and install the signs.
State Assemblywoman Diane Harkey speaks at a dedication for the "Officer Richard T. Steed Memorial Highway" along I-5 in San Clemente. Harkey, R-Dana Point, led a bill through the Legislature to designate San Clemente's stretch of the freeway in memory of Steed, the only San Clemente police officer killed in the line of duty.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Deputy Robert Thompson has given up friendships and lost relationships because of the demands of his job but it's all worthwhile to him when he can serve and protect the community he loves.
Recently, Thompson, 46, was recognized as Deputy of the Year by the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council. Thompson was selected for the award by his peers and earned it, they say, based on his exemplary service, his outstanding performance in a variety of assignments, his leadership ability, and his extensive knowledge of law enforcement.
Rancho Santa Margarita Mayor Tony Beall congratulates
Orange County Deputy Sheriff Robert Thompson,
the 2011 Deputy of the Year. Thompson was recognized for
his dedication, professionalism and law enforcement know-how.
Orange County Deputy Sheriff Jason Finley, who helped catch several
serial shoplifters at CVS Pharmacy and Target in Rancho Santa Margarita,
was also recognized during the City Council meeting.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAKE FOREST - Hundreds of firefighters and law enforcement officers on Tuesday waved flags from freeway bridges from Los Alamitos to Laguna Hills saluting a procession carrying the remains of Cpl. Christopher G. Singer, a Marine killed in Afghanistan on Jan. 21.
The procession of more than 200 vehicles followed a Hero Mission – a ceremony that marks the return of an American service member killed in action – at the Joint Forces Training Base at Los Alamitos.
Singer's family – including his wife, Brooke, 21, his father, Greg Singer, and his mother, Marlene Shaw – was escorted to the plane as the coffin was lowered.
More than 500 people stood on the tarmac and paid their respects. Honoring Our Fallen, a nonprofit group, will give Singer's 2-year-old daughter, Briyana, birthday and Christmas gifts until she is 18, said founder Laura Herzog.
Singer, 23, was killed while conducting operations in the Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Twentynine Palms-based 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, an element of Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division. Singer was born in San Diego and grew up in Lake Forest and Temecula.
“There are no words to express how my son was taken care of,” said Greg Singer of Lake Forest.
Singer said his son dreamed of becoming a Marine since he was a boy. He joined the Marines in 2007 and deployed for the first time in September 2011, specializing in construction and demolition.
“One of the hardest things in my life will be to lay my husband and the father of my child to rest but I know he died doing something he loved so very much,” said Brooke Singer.
“You will always be in my heart and mind,” Marlene Shaw said of her son. “I will never forget what you have done to protect our family and our country.”
Singer's family was overwhelmed by the community outpouring and expressed awe as the procession drove along Katella Avenue leaving the military base. The street was lined with community members, shop owners and professionals from nearby offices. Children from Mayflower Preschool held flags and signs.
Law enforcement from many Orange County cities joined in the caravan to O'Connor Mortuary in Laguna Hills.
A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Friday at Saddleback Church, 1 Saddleback Parkway in Lake Forest. The memorial is open to the public. Singer will be buried at the Riverside National Cemetery.
On Sunday, January 22, 2012, a travel team of amputee war veterans hit the softball field in Mission Viejo. The Wounded Warrior softball team travels the country taking on able-bodied challengers to show how injured war veterans return to normal life.
The OC First Responders team included Deputies Peter Kim, Travis Krudwig and Robert Pribnow and were coached by Sergeant Jack Songer. Former Los Angeles Angels Anaheim pitcher Justin Speier played for the OC First Responders, as did members of the Fire Authority, Control One and Armed Forces Veterans.
Numerous news agencies reported from the game, including KCAL's Stephanie Abrams, who said, “Who won??? Not vitally important.... That the game was played.......Priceless.”
The Wounded Warriors team is already booked solid for the rest of the year. The money raised Sunday will help them with travel and other expenses. The ultimate goal is to provide stipends for the players so they can pursue college or other career goals.
Pictured are Angels Pitcher Justin Speier, US Navy Corpsman Daniel Jacobs, Sergeant Jack Songer, Deputy Robert Pribnow, Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Roy Gleason, US Marine Joshua Wege, Deputy Peter Kim and Deputy Travis Krudwig.
January 27, 2012 16:27 by Admin
| Twelve Orange County Sheriff's Explorers spent January 13, 14, and 15 in Chandler Arizona competing in the 2012 Chandler Law Enforcement Explorer Tactical Competition. Post Coordinator Sergeant Dan Daniels (Reserve Bureau) and Post Advisors Deputy Rod Valdez (San Clemente Police Services), and Deputy Katie DeCoup-Crank (Intake Release Center) accompanied the Explorers on their journey. All of the Explorers' registration fees and lodging were paid for by private donations or funds from Explorers working paid events. The Sheriff's team competed against over 500 explorers from Explorer Posts throughout the nation. Our Explorers received excellent training from S.W.A.T. Deputies Michael Perez and Shane Millhollan, and Hazardous Devices Training from Investigator Robert Mann (Hazardous Devices Section). We had two of our Explorers compete in the Explorer Pistol Shoot and they received exceptional training from Range Sergeant Greg Schuch and Weapons Instructors Lance Ishmael, Jerry Lee, Robert Najmulski and Dallas Ferrell. The Explorer team also received valuable Arrest Control Technique training from Deputy Joshua Dietrich (Training). Explorer Post 449 had a very good showing, winning a third place trophy in Incident Command Structure and a fourth place trophy in Tactical Scout. Explorer Evan Hotchkin took first place in the Explorer Pistol Shoot. He competed against over 60 other Explorers. Explorers Jacob Wiggs and Joshua Wiggs competed in the SWAT Fitness Challenge. The majority of teams that competed in this grueling physically challenging event did not even finish. Not only did Jacob and Joshua finish, they took third place, which is the first time our post has placed in this event. Please join in congratulating the following Explorers, who proudly and very capably represented our department: |
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Ø Explorer Commander Garrett Eggert Ø Explorer Captain Evan Hotchkin
Ø Explorer Captain Brian HirstØ Explorer Captain Jacob Wiggs
Ø Explorer Captain Jose CaudilloØ Explorer Lieutenant Elia Rodriguez
Ø Explorer Lieutenant Joshua WiggsØ Explorer Sergeant Vanessa Tapia
Ø Explorer Sergeant Melissa VegaØ Explorer Sergeant Jatziri Navarro
Ø Explorer Sergeant Daniel SerranoØ Explorer Corporal Cody Cree
January 27, 2012 10:37 by Admin
Taffy was born on April 8, 2000 in Thetford Mines, Quebec Canada. Twelve weeks later she was flown to Orange County, California to meet her new partner, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Doug Williams. Taffy would soon join the highly regarded Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit, which is made up entirely of Reserve Deputies. After a distinguished ten year career, Taffy was the first bloodhound to retire from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit on June 30, 2010.
During Taffy’s 10 year career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit, she had 13 confirmed walk-up finds, plus numerous other trails where she gave valuable information that led to the suspects and their arrest. Taffy worked over 125 documented cases with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit. She searched for over 50 lost persons, worked 12 homicides, 13 armed robberies, one kidnapping and four rapes. She also worked numerous arsons, burglaries, stolen vehicles and other felonies. Taffy’s handler testified in two homicide trials, based on Taffy’s work, resulting in the conviction of both suspects.
Taffy and Doug received numerous awards in their 10 years of service together. They received the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Gold Star Award, California Gold Star Award, Larry Peabody Search and Rescue Award. The Meritorious Service Award from the American Bloodhound Club, Achievement of Canine Excellence was also received. Taffy was chosen as the American Kennel Club 2008 Search and Rescue Dog of the Year. Taffy was also a great ambassador for the department in her tenure, doing about 100 Officer Friendly events and other public relation events. Taffy enjoyed the public and especially children.
Even after retirement, Taffy continued to live with Doug and his wife Debbie until her unfortunate passing on January 13, 2012. 
January 24, 2012 14:16 by Admin
“Irvine Blades” Girls’ Soccer Coach Charged With Coercing 13-Year Old into Sending Him Pornographic Videos
The Orange County District Attorney’s Office put out a press release today regarding the arrest of Robert Vincent PEACE; a girls’ recreational soccer coach for the Irvine Blades. The DA's Office filed charges against PEACE for meeting a 13-year old girl in an online chat room and coercing her into sending him sexually explicit videos of herself. PEACE, a resident of Lake Forest, was also charged with possessing nearly 2,000 child pornography images and videos. The DA's Press Release can be viewed at: http://orangecountyda.com/home/index.asp?page=8&recordid=2810&returnurl=index%2Easp%3Fpage%3D8
The case was investigated by the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force (OCCETF). The primary mission of OCCETF is to identify and arrest child predators operating in the county. The task force is comprised of members from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the Huntington Beach Police Department. OCCETF encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through ICE's toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423. Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, a Task Force partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.
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