Dear Acting Sheriff Anderson:

My name is Rebecca Olivieri and I am a Senior Deputy District Attorney assigned to the Special Prosecutions Unit in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.  My purpose in writing to you is to let you know what an outstanding employee you have in Deputy Jason Pitts.

Deputy Pitts proved invaluable recently when he provided crucial interpretation in a kidnap for ransom case which was investigated by the Costa Mesa Police Department.  The victims in our case were Brazilian citizens who spoke only Portuguese.  Due to the unavailability of a Portuguese interpreter during the original investigation, the victims, now living in Florida, were flown out to testify at the preliminary hearing.  Significant issues developed during the hearing, however, when it was discovered that the court assigned interpreter, who was from Portugal, was having difficulty interpreting for the Brazilian witnesses.  Given those issues, we were forced to abort the preliminary hearing midstream. [more]

Having flown the victims in from Florida, we wanted to try to re-interview them using an interpreter who spoke Brazilian Portuguese in order to finish the preliminary hearing with the assigned investigator testifying instead of the victims.  Remembering that years earlier he had met a Deputy Sheriff, Jason Pitts, who spoke Brazilian Portuguese, the District Attorney Investigator Baden Gardner, contacted your department in order to see if Deputy Pitts still worked there.  After learning not only did he still work there, but he was on duty, we were able to get clearance from his superior to have him immediately come to Harbor Court in order to provide translation.

Once Deputy Pitts arrived, he quickly familiarized himself with both the victims and the case.  He proceeded to patiently translate for both victims for nearly five hours, well beyond the time when he was supposed to be off duty.  Afterwards, he accompanied the victims and my investigator to John Wayne Airport to provide interpretation along the way, as well as to ensure that the victims made it onto the flight since the interview ran longer than expected, necessitating a rush to the airport.  Deputy Pitts’ critical participation in the case did not cease there.  Over the course of several months as the investigation continued leading up to the trial, Deputy Pitts would provide assistance whenever necessary to contact the victims.  When the case went to trial this March, Deputy Pitts was there once again to assist in any way possible to ensure the victims understood what was going on at every stage of the trial.

To say Deputy Pitts was invaluable to the case is truly an understatement.  Without his language skills we would have been completely at a loss in communicating with our victims.  Had that been the case, the outcome of the case could well have been different than the jury’s verdict of guilty which was announced last week.

I would also like to commend Lieutenant Janet Lonich for her encouragement and flexibility in allowing Deputy Pitts to assist us whenever necessary.  Your department should be proud to have two such fine, professional employees who exemplify the fact that we are all in this to see that justice is done, no matter which agency we work for.

Sincerely,

Rebecca L. Olivieri
Senior Deputy District Attorney
Special Prosecutions Unit

Dear Lieutenant Trujillo,

It is a pleasure having Deputy Scott Montoya at Walter School as we implement the Gang Reduction Intervention Program (G.R.I.P.).  He has been a regular presence since February 18th.  Already, he has been able to build rapport with students, staff and parents.  His ability to counsel students as he focuses them on making good choices has resulted in less behavior problems in the classroom.  With the increased accountability as students know that Deputy Montoya will be checking up on them on a regular basis has made many of our students become more reflective.

You could not have selected a better deputy to work with our various stakeholders.  Our teachers have commented that Scott has had a positive impact on the most troubled students.  Our teachers have appreciated Scott’s presence during parent meetings in which the focus has been on implementing positive reinforcements at home to help with discipline.  Our parents have commented on how much safer the campus feels due to Scott’s presence, especially during the morning hours and dismissal time.  During parent meetings such as ELAC and Coffee with the Principal, parents have thanked me for making school safety a priority by having Deputy Montoya on campus.

As principal, I appreciate the opportunity to be able to count on Scott as we confront issues of gang-like behavior on campus.  Even if he is at other schools, he is only a phone call away.  Just recently, we conducted the truancy sweeps.  Deputy District Attorney, Tracy Rinauro shared with me how instrumental Scott had been to help a parent de-escalate during the truancy sweep.  The parent recognized Scott as the deputy on campus at his son’s school.  Due to the rapport he had built with the student, the parent was willing to cooperate.

I wanted to thank you for your commitment to ensure we have safe schools even before the G.R.I.P. grant was awarded.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Nordyke, principal

The Board of Supervisors conducted interviews this week for the position of Sheriff. Understandably, there was a lot of discussion about the problems we are facing in our department. Over the last few months we have acknowledged the many areas we need to fix, but we also realize that these issues are not systemic, but isolated and individual in nature. The negative will undoubtedly garner headlines, but we also need to make sure we’re taking inventory of what’s right with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Among the numerous awards and recognition we’ve received, we continue to provide law enforcement services to one of the safest areas to live, work and play in the nation. Our Coroner’s facility serves as a statewide training facility and is a model for the state. An assessment conducted by the National Institute of Corrections last year noted that we operate one of the most professional jails while maintaining low assault rates; and our LA HIDTA Joint Drug Intelligence Group received the Outstanding Investigative Support Center Award of the year.

A commitment to excellence continues to thrive within our department, even as we work to correct shortcomings of the past.  With your great work and dedication, we will continue to have the opportunity to accentuate the positive while we eliminate the negative as we move toward a promising future.

Thank you for all you continue to do to lead our department in our mission to serve.

Dear Acting Sheriff-Coroner Anderson:

I am writing to thank you for the contributions your agency has made to the “DNA Field Experiment,” which has turned out to be an historic and groundbreaking project.  It has revealed important ways law enforcement can use DNA to identify burglary suspects.  Many of the burglars arrested during the field test had long, serious arrest histories.  Other jurisdictions are likely to find similarly serious offenders.  You and your agency’s willingness to participate has been highly valued and will be even more so when law enforcement across the United States learns what we have accomplished together.

I wanted to give you advance notice that the Department of Justice expects to announce the results soon…Your team led by Dean Gialamas, has already reviewed the researchers’ report and given us valuable comments.  Their comments will be reflected in the final document released to the public.

I would like to especially thank the key members of your staff:  Elizabeth Thompson, Tom Nasser, Bob Blackburn, Mike Gavin and Paul Fuzzard.

Your partnership with researchers has been extremely valuable to your colleagues in law enforcement and is greatly appreciated by the Department of Justice.

Sincerely,
David W. Hagy
Director
U.S. Department of Justice

Two sergeants from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department have completed the Sherman Block Supervisory Institute, a program designed for law enforcement first-level supervisors to promote personal growth, leadership and ethical-decision making.

Sergeant Catherine Irons, administrative sergeant for South Operations, and Wayne Byerley, a supervisor with the South Operations Direct Enforcement Team were personally congratulated by Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson. 

““The sergeants in the sworn ranks have the most influence on deputies. They ensure not only that Deputies do their job but have a responsibility to mentor and prepare the line staff to be tomorrow’s leaders,” Acting Sheriff Anderson said after congratulating the graduates.

According to the Police Officer Standards and Training Website, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute was designed and implemented in 1988 through the efforts of California law enforcement professionals and top educators and trainers. The institute is an intense program based on experiential learning techniques. Students are challenged to learn new ways to resolve issues through group and individual work. [more]

 POST also said this of the program:

The curriculum takes students through an analysis of management (planning, organizing, directing, etc.) and leadership (inspiring, challenging, developing, etc.) and how each discipline compliments the other. The course progresses from self-evaluation, to interpersonal evaluation, to organizational relationships.

During the program, a typical successful student develops the ability to:

• Correlate the relationship between personal and organizational principles and values
• Exercise greater leadership in personal and professional activities
• Increase personal influence with individuals and groups to accomplish organizational goals
• Analyze issues from multiple perspectives
• Develop increased self-confidence and confidence in the ability of others
• Provide support and development for peers and subordinates
• Recognize and address areas for personal improvement
• Effectively integrate management skills and leadership qualities

A typical successful student is willing to learn, open to new ideas, and able to engage in deep self-examination of values and beliefs. The program is not a "how-to" course and should not be viewed as a fix for problem individuals. The curriculum provides a forum for personal growth and development of qualities necessary for effective public safety leadership.

Attendance and Class Information

Students are required to live at the course site while the course is in session. The SBSLI consists of eight 24-hour sessions held approximately every four weeks. The total course hours are 192. Students are expected to attend all sessions but are allowed to miss 16 total hours of class time so long as not more than one eight-hour day per 24-hour session is missed. Evening social activities are strongly encouraged.

Each class is structured to accommodate 24 students. Class composition is managed to ensure a diverse student body utilizing such factors as agency size and type as well as geographical location. At the completion of the program, a commencement ceremony is held for successful students.

Student Expectations

A considerable amount of reading and writing is required between sessions on the student's own time. A minimum of two books are assigned per session and written book reviews of both are required. Students must be prepared to discuss the readings and take part in all learning activities as well as actively participate in classroom discussions. A final team project is completed and presented in session eight.

For more information click: http://www.post.ca.gov/Training/sbsli/candidate.asp

Deputy Mark Lange received a letter of commendation from the grandmother of a defendant.  The defendant appeared in his courtroom for a drug charge case that lasted nearly three years.  The grandmother was always present.  She wrote:

“You probably think we forgot about you and you probably think we were ungrateful….
 
Please accept this as a very small token of our appreciation.  We have thought of you often. 

You were the one that remained strong and kept control of the courtroom and did it in a very professional manner.

You were the one that when things seemed a bit tuff on us that you were sensitive and compassionate.

We will forever be grateful for your kind and compassionate words to our family and the young man in custody.

You have been a great example of what a Law Enforcement Officer should be and I know there were others but

You stood out the most because of the constant contact in the courtroom.

Once again Thank You so very much for being a decent human being… …God Bless,”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad held a demonstration this week to alert parents to the dangers of explosives that their children can make from materials found around the home.

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson told the members of the press who came for the demonstration that as summer approaches and children are out of school, the Department wants to make sure parents, teachers, neighbors and friends are aware of this very real danger posed by homemade explosives.

The dangers include pipe bombs, fireworks, bottle rockets and other devices that young people have been known to make and explode.

On hand for the demonstration and to talk to the press was Vanessa Viramontes, a victim of an explosion and Dr. Mike Lekawa, UCI Medical Center Trauma surgeon who has treated numerous cases of injuries due to explosions.

For pictures of a watermelon blown apart by an M-80 firecracker click [more] 

The Orange County Board of Supervisors held a marathon session on Tuesday to conduct public interviews of the finalists in their search for the next sheriff. The session was covered by both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times.

Click here for the Orange County Register story.

Click here for the Los Angeles Times story.

American Legion Post 862 Honored several members of the Department earlier this month, including Investigator Brian Sims, Deputy Christina Brown, Deputy David Purser, Reserve Deputy Mark Flotho, Reserve Lieutenant Mike Beekman and Deputy Thom Lucas. At the same time the post honored Eagle Scout  Kevin James, the son of Captain Mike James.

For information on why the awards were given and some of the pictures click [more]

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Investigator Brian Sims

I would like to introduce Investigator Brian Sims: Lake Forest Police Services recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

On March 29, 2007 at 2320 hours, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist the Orange County Fire Authority on a possible overdose call.  The caller was using a voice relay service for the hearing impaired that operated via Instant Messenger on the Internet.  The caller identified himself as “Ryan” and related that he was a 15-year-old under the influence of cocaine.  The caller stated his friend had overdosed, was unconscious, and having seizures.  When Fire Dispatch asked where the caller’s mother was, the caller started talking about getting guns and attacking anyone who threatened them.  As the incident unfolded over more than 30 minutes, the caller became more violent.  He asked the dispatcher if he needed to “hear the gunfire” to prove that the caller was serious.  Fire Dispatch continued to update information to Sheriff’s Dispatch and responding units as the caller said he was shot in the shoulder by his “sister.”  The caller described how he was going to shoot and kill his sister, and then disconnected the line. 

The house was surrounded by deputies of the Critical Incident Response Team, SWAT, and Sheriff’s Helicopter Duke 1 to intervene in an active-shooter/hostage situation.  After detaining the homeowners at gunpoint and after a significant investigation at the scene, the call was determined to be false and an investigation into the possible origins of the call was initiated.

Investigator Brian Sims was assigned the case and immediately began the process to backtrack to the source of the false call.  He served four different search warrants on the Internet-based voice relay service and the Internet Service Providers from where the “call” originated.  The results of these search warrants indicated that the suspect was residing in Mukilteo, WA. 
Investigator Sims was able to serve the warrant in Washington, secure critical evidence in the case, and interview the suspect, Randall T. Ellis, who confessed his actions.  Furthermore, because of this investigation, Millcreek Township, PA, Bullhead City, AZ, and Mukilteo, WA were all identified as victims of the same suspect. 

On March 26, 2008, Randall Ellis plead guilty to two counts of assault with an assault rifle, false imprisonment, and false report of an emergency.  Ellis was sentenced to three years in State Prison and ordered to pay more than $14,000.00 in restitution to the County of Orange for his crimes.

This investigation and successful prosecution were groundbreaking for a number of reasons.  The initial crime and the manner in which the hoax emergency were reported were difficult to track.  Investigator Sims made an effort to understand the technology and trace the call from its termination with emergency services in Orange County, all the way to a personal computer in the State of Washington.  Investigator Sims not only identified the origin of the call, but also served an additional search warrant on the internet service provider in an attempt to identify additional victims of this criminal activity.  Because of his efforts, Sims was able to clearly link three other jurisdictions in three different states where similar crimes were perpetrated by the same suspect.  Were it not for the efforts of Investigator Sims who tirelessly worked to put this case together, this suspect would have continued to perpetrate his terrorist actions on other victims throughout the United States.  This successful identification and prosecution of an Internet “Swatting” suspect was the first of its kind in the State of California, and one of a few nation-wide to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Brian, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

“Brian Sims doesn’t do anything that fits into one paragraph.”  Lieutenant Don Barnes, Lake Forest Chief of Police Services

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Deputy Christina Brown

I would like to introduce Deputy Christina Brown: Laguna Hills’ recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

Deputy Christina Brown has served the City of Laguna Hills since October 2004.  Christina immediately excelled during her training period and does not shy away from any assignment.  She has requested training and assignments that continually challenge her skills and give her more knowledge to enhance her overall performance. 

In November 2006, Christina requested to attend DUI school.  This 36-hour course is designed to develop the deputy’s expertise in the identification, testing, apprehension, and documentation of impaired drivers, field safety, proper and complete report preparation, and courtroom testimony.  Christina wasted no time utilizing her new skills.  She was recognized by Mother’s Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) for having the most DUI arrests in Laguna Hills for the year 2007.

In February 2007, Christina requested to become a member of the Critical Incident Response Team.  She completed the rigorous 40-hour training course which includes training in the use of high-power firearms and first responder team tactics to engage active shooters.

In April 2007, Christina completed the very mentally taxing 80-hour Drug Recognition Expert course.  The course includes the memorization of various drugs - both legal and illegal - and how those drugs affect the human body.  Christina is now a certified DRE and has shared her expertise with fellow deputies in Laguna Hills and surrounding areas. 

An article in the OC Register o+n March 6, 2008 stated that only two percent (2%) of all law enforcement officers in California are certified drug recognition experts.  This means that experts like Christina are in high demand.  Christina is the only DRE in Laguna Hills.

Christina, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Deputy David Purser

I would like to introduce Deputy David Purser: South Operations recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

Deputy Purser has 13 years of experience with the Sheriff’s Department in various assignments; his most recent is South Operations where he is assigned to patrol the unincorporated areas of south Orange County.

Deputy Purser has a BA degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, San Bernardino.  He is a member of the Department’s Critical Incident Response Team and a member of the National Tactical Officers Association.  Purser was a Field Training Officer during his assignment in jail operations and is currently a Field Training Officer in patrol.  He was a member of the department’s soccer team and has been an active member of the department’s running team for the past 13 years. 

Deputy purser took it upon himself to update the unincorporated assignments and daily position schedule.  The unincorporated area is continually growing, changing, and adding new communities to its patrol area.  Purser took the initiative to put together a new daily assignment and position schedule which allocated the deputies during peak calls for service periods.  His schedule was selected by Captain Griffin and will be implemented this month.

Deputy Purser responded to a possible dead body lying on the sidewalk in Ladera Ranch in November of 2007.  Upon arrival he began CPR on the individual who was not breathing and had no pulse.  After performing CPR with the assistance of another deputy for about a minute, the victim regained consciousness from a drug overdose and was transported to the hospital for further treatment.  Deputy Purser’s quick actions were vital in saving the subjects life and contributed to his complete recovery.

David, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!
 

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Deputy Mark Flotho

I would like to introduce Deputy Mark Flotho: San Juan Capistrano’s recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit. 

Deputy Flotho has gone far beyond what is expected of our Reserve Deputies.  In the years that he has been with the Department he has donated thousands of hours of his time to Uniform Patrol, Search & Rescue, Community Programs, and the Coroner’s Division.  The majority of his donated time has directly benefited the City of San Juan Capistrano.  Mark has found that San Juan Capistrano is truly appreciative of his efforts and supportive of the reserve program.

Mark’s generosity is also admirable.  Mark’s ‘real’ job is an electrical contractor.  In that capacity he has ‘donated’ many hours to the Sheriff's Department and the OCPOA Store.  Mark has also assisted deputies with some personal projects, off-duty of course. 

Deputy Mark Flotho is truly a dedicated member of the Sheriff's Department and San Juan Capistrano Police Services.

Mark, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Lieutenant Mike Beekman

I would like to introduce Lieutenant Mike Beekman: San Juan Capistrano’s recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

I would like to nominate Mike for this award specifically for his contributions to the Annual San Juan Capistrano Swallows Day Parade where he serves as the lead liaison to the Sheriff’s Reserve Bureau.  Mike is heavily involved from the early planning stages with staffing and scheduling of the nearly 80 reserves who participate in this event, the largest single day event for the Sheriff’s Department and attended by an estimated 40,000 spectators.

Mike pays particular attention to placing the right personnel in assignments where they best serve and at the same time keeping in mind restrictions about reserve “level” designations.  Mike also coordinates the delivery and assignment of vehicles.  His main contribution is on parade day where his leadership and organization skills are key elements to the yearly success of this event.  Mike’s extensive contributions to the Reserve Bureau and the City of San Juan Capistrano are voluntary and without compensation, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars every year.  Volunteer forces saved the City an estimated $41,000 at the 50th Anniversary Swallows Day Parade in 2008.

Mike is also an active leader in the Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Unit.  Mike’s paying job is also an important one; he serves as the Executive Director of Safety & Pupil Services for Capistrano Unified School District.

Mike, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Deputy Thom Lucas

I would like to introduce Deputy Thom Lucas: Laguna Hills’s recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

Deputy Thom Lucas has been a Deputy Sheriff for twenty-two years.  Thom has served the City of Laguna Hills since it’s inception in 1991, but actually worked un-incorporated west (which became Laguna Hills) since 1990.  He was, and remains the city’s only original deputy.  Thom’s specialty has been all things related to traffic.  Thom was assigned to the traffic car in 1991 and found his niche.  Thom is definitely the go-to-guy when the newer deputies have any questions about a collision investigation. 

Thom was chosen to be a motor officer and completed his training in 1999.  Thom has worked on many projects with the city to make the roads as safe as they can be.  He has been instrumental in many of the changes, and often brings safety concerns to the City. 

Thom’s most significant contribution has been his quest for school safety.  Thom has brought many safety concerns of signage and traffic flow issues to Public Services.  The city has enacted the changes that Thom brought to their attention to improve traffic issues, which has helped to keep the citizens safe on our streets.
Thom is a very dedicated to the City of Laguna Hills.  He has worked consistently and tirelessly to ensure that the city’s streets are safe.  Thom brings a passion to his assignment, and is very deserving of the Award of Merit. 

Thom, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

American Legion Medal of Merit 2007

Crime Prevention Specialist Tammy Descoteaux

I would like to introduce Crime Prevention Specialist Tammy Descoteaux: Mission Viejo Police Services recipient of the American Legion Medal of Merit.

Tammy Descoteaux has been an Orange County Sheriff’s Department Crime Prevention Specialist in the City of Mission Viejo for the past seven years.  Tammy is involved in many aspects of crime prevention including: community awareness meetings, safety programs for kids, educational programs for parents, personal safety programs, community of character meetings, emergency preparedness, neighborhood and business watch and numerous other community outreach programs.  Tammy is also responsible for planning and organizing special events in the city of Mission Viejo including the annual 4th of July Street Faire and Red Ribbon Walk Against Drugs events which typically attract thousands of people.

Tammy is an Advisor with the Department's Explorer Post and until recently was responsible for coordinating the Senior Citizens Activity Team.  Tammy did an outstanding job overseeing the entire program in addition to her other duties.  In November, 2007, Tammy was recognized in an Orange County Register article, "Kudos to Mission Viejo."  The article complimented Tammy on her development of many programs designed to promote child and adult safety.  The article also mentioned that the community has embraced the concepts of the "Community of Character Program."  Tammy chairs a Community of Character committee which involves instilling core citizenship values to people in our community. 

Tammy gives her all each day toward making Mission Viejo one of the safest cities in the nation.  Her efforts have paid off as she is an integral part of Mission Viejo being named as the safest city in America with a population of at least 75,000 people.  

Tammy, your personal effort in achieving this honor exemplifies the characteristics of those keeping with the high standards set by the American Legion’s ideals of dedication to God and Country.  Congratulations!

Eagle Scout Kevin James

Five family members found dead in San Clemente: Sheriff's Lt. Erin Giudice said the bodies were discovered by a relative who  went to check on the family this afternoon. The person called 911 at about 3:50 p.m. Anderson, holding a news conference outside the neighborhood's gates, described the victims as an elderly woman, a man and woman ages 40-50, and two women in their early 20s, all related. No names were released. [Photo by Eugene Garcia, Orange County Register]

Sheriff says he's ready to put mattresses on jail floor: Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson on Friday said he may be forced to come up with unpalatable alternatives to ease jail crowding during an expected spike in arrests over Memorial Day Weekend. "I'll put mattresses on the floor if I have to," Anderson said after he and two high-ranking members of his command staff met behind closed doors with Assistant Presiding Judge Kim Dunning.The meeting was arranged by Orange County Counsel Benjamin DeMayo less than a day after Superior Court Judge Thomas Borris, the presiding judge of the court's criminal division, rejected Anderson's request for authority to release some inmates from their sentences early to relieve crowding.

Am I Going To Die?: Oksana Grishuk, 36, an Olympic gold-medal skater from Aliso Viejo believed a business dinner with an aquaintance last month at the St. Regis Monarch Beach resort was for all the right reasons. Instead, she found her head swirling, her stomach aching and wondering "Am I going to die?"

Secret cameras found in former Sheriff's office: Evidence of cameras that fed video to computers spirited away in a "secret compartment" in a "clandestine" room within former Sheriff Mike Carona’s old office have been turned over to federal prosecutors. Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson made the discovery recently and notified the five members of the Board of Supervisors in a confidential memo The Orange County Register obtained through a public records request.

Suspects ID'd in Marine Shooting Death: Two fellow Marines, including an Iraq veteran, are believed to be responsible in the shooting of another Marine who was found shot dead in a San Clemente ditch last week, authorities said. One suspect is in custody and another is being sought by authorities, said John McDonald, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

The descendants of Orange County Sheriff's Department Undersheriff Robert Squires, the first peace officer in the county to be killed in the line of duty, were among those who attended the ceremony this week to honor all 48 peace officers in the county who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The officers were honored by a team of 48 law enforcement officers who bicycled 630 miles from Sacramento to Santa Ana and by hundreds who turned out for a candlelight vigil and a formal ceremony.

Sheriff's Lt. Tom Slayton provide the bagpipe salute and Sheriff's Chaplain Sandy Otsuji was among those who led the prayers.

The Department's Mounted Honor Guard paid homage to the 48 deceased law enforcement officers, including eight members of the Sheriff's Department who gave their lives to protect us all.

To view information on all eight Department Members who have been killed in the line of duty, click here and then click the Fallen Officers on the left side of the Department webpage.

To view pictures of the Ceremony, the Vigil and other activities honoring the fallen officers click here.  

For information on Undersheriff Robert Squires click [more]

Undersheriff Robert Squires

On the evening of December 16, 1912 Sheriff Ruddock received a telephone call from the Irvine station, telling him that a young Irvine girl had been attacked by a drifter who had fled into the hills.  Sheriff Ruddock immediately rounded up assistance and took off after the assailant.  According to an account in The San Joaquin Gazette, a tall, slim young man about 27 years old had stopped at the ranch of Bill Cook asking for work.  None being available, he was sent away, but not before he saw Cook’s 16 year old niece, Myrtle.  Late that night he returned to the ranch.  The dog was barking so Cook sent his niece and her younger sister out to tie up the dog.

While outside, a man with a gun jumped out at them and tied up the younger girl. After firing once into the ground, he took Myrtle behind the barn.  The younger girl untied herself and ran screaming into the house.  Her uncle, who had no weapons, immediately went for help as two more shots were fired from behind the barn.

Gathering men from nearby farms, Cook returned only to find the assailant gone.  The sheriff, Undersheriff Robert Squires, Deputy Tex Stacey, Constable Calvin E. Jack Jackson, and Marshal Sam Jernigan along with a score of local farmers, searched all night with lanterns.  Word was received by early morning that the suspect was seen heading for an area called Tomato Springs.

When the posse caught up with him, the fugitive taunted the men to get him and ran off into the foothills.  When Squires caught up to him, both fired at close range.  Squires was killed.  Tex Stacy caught up with the man next, noticing he was wounded.  Soon Stacey was wounded himself, and although he shifted his gun to his other hand, the gun was shot away and both hands were useless. 

Meanwhile, others circled the assailant’s position.  By mid-morning there were more than 200 people involved in the shootout, including Company L of the National Guard.  Several guardsmen were selected to charge the gunman, including Captain Nate Ulm, a former deputy sheriff.  They slowly got into position, then attacked.  Shots were fired and the gunman was dead, a hole though his temple.  The “Tomato Springs Bandit,” as he was later called, was taken to Santa Ana.  Eyewitness accounts noted that the body was propped up in the front of seat of a car and paraded up and down Fourth Street before being taken to the undertakers.

Although many took credit as being the person who fired the fatal shot, there was some evidence to indicate that the final wound was self-inflected.

The identity of the criminal was not known for several years.  He was thought to be Ira Jones of Oregon and it is this name that appeared on the tombstone.  But later records showed that the body was positively identified as Joe Matlock by his father, a former mayor of Eugene, Oregon, who did not want to acknowledge the relationship.

Two other facts also emerged:  the Irvine girl had been unhurt; and Joe Matlock the “Tomato Springs Bandit,” was slowly dying of tuberculosis when he incited the manhunt.

The incident became known as the bloodiest battle in Orange county history leaving Squires and Matlock dead and three others wounded. Squires became the first Orange County peace officer to be killed in the line of duty.  Years later, when the mortuary where the bodies were taken was torn down, the safe revealed two guns.  One had belonged to Squires and the other to Matlock.

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

PRESS RELEASE#4                                                                                                                      

Date:  May 22, 2008

Time:  2045

EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED

  Voluntary evacuations orders have been lifted for Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyonsbut road closures in Williams and Live Oak Canyons remain in force for non-residents.  

Road conditions throughout Orange County may be hazardous due to the storm and motorists are cautioned to drive with care. Access to Modjeska Canyon is unrestricted but Williams and Live Oak Canyons are open to residents only. Santiago Canyon Road remains closed between Loma Ridge Road and Silverado Canyon. 

Cautionary signs are being placed at Modjeska and Santiago and Live Oak to remind motorists to slow down. 

Severe rain that caused mudslides in the canyons is believed to have damaged at least two homes and one business. There was one injury in a rain related traffic accident.  

The County of Orange issued a Proclamation of a Local Emergency Thursday afternoon.  The rain caused slides and damage to areas that were burned by the Santiago Fire in October and November 2007.  

The National Weather Service warned that similar rain and thunderstorms could return tomorrow afternoon. 

If residents have any questions, they can call the Orange County Emergency Operations Center hotline at (714) 628-7085 until 10 p.m. 

Press updates after 10 p.m. can be obtained by calling the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander.

John Moorlach, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors has issued a Local Emergency Proclamation to help in storm response.  

ORANGE COUNTY OPERATIONAL AREA
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

  PRESS RELEASE # 3
  Date:  May 22, 2008
  Time:  1745

PROCLAMATION OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY

Severe rain that caused mudslides in several canyon areas along with evacuations and property damage prompted the County of Orange to issue a Proclamation of a Local Emergency Thursday afternoon.

The Proclamation was issued by John Moorlach, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. He acted in the absence of the County Board of Supervisors being in session in at the request of the Orange County Director of Emergency Services.

The Proclamation noted that there had been significant rainfall and it caused flooding, debris flows, mudslides and related damage in the areas burned by the Santiago Fire in October and November 2007.  The weather conditions and the short term weather forecast constitutes conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property in Orange County, the Proclamation said. The conditions are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the County of Orange and require the assistance from other political subdivisions.

The Proclamation is intended to reopen the county’s claim for emergency compensation for damages and expenses related to the Santiago Fire. It will also help county emergency workers in seeking outside help if necessary.

Voluntary evacuations orders remain in force for Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyons.

The Orange County Fairgrounds (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa) can accept large animals from residents.  Residents must call ahead to (714) 708-1588 to inform OC Fairgrounds that they are coming and to receive directions about which gate to enter.  Residents are expected to bring any necessary supplies for their large animals.

If residents have any questions, they can call the Orange County Emergency Operations Center hotline at (714) 628-7085.

Mud flows have been reported in Modjeska, Williams, and Live Oak Canyons.

Any residents requiring shelter please contact (714) 628-7085.

To view the proclamation click here: Orange County Local Proclamation Storm May 22 2008.pdf (105.92 kb)

The Orange County Emergency Operations Center is currently monitoring the situation. 

The Register reports:

Torrential rain falling in the canyon areas this afternoon has created mud and debris flows with unconfirmed reports that people are trapped in homes and at a park.

Modjeska, Williams, Live Oak and Trabuco canyons are under mandatory evacuation order as rain continues to fall. About 1,000 people are reportedly affected in these areas. Large animals are to be moved to the Orange County fairgrounds.

"The first reports of mud flows in Modjeska Canyon began at 12:25 p.m.," Orange County Fire authority Capt. Mike Blawn said.

"Williams Canyon is unpassable," Blawn said, "with reports of residents trapped in their homes. Debris is reported to spread from canyon wall-to-canyon wall, but people will be fine if we can get a grader in there."

Read the story and updates here.

Orange County Register Reporter Amy Taxin and Photographer Leonard Ortiz spent time with five Deputies who are completing on the job training to become Cross-Designated Agents of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The journalists observed the deputies during part of their on the job training at the Intake Release Center earlier this week.

To see their report, click here.

The Orange County Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony was held this morning at the Plaza of the Flags in Santa Ana. The Orange County Register's Doug Irving and Denisse Salazar attended:

Colleen Sowma said a quick prayer Wednesday at the bronze plaque that bears the name of her husband. She always does during Orange County's annual Peace Officers' Memorial Ceremony.

He was a Cypress police officer, but she remembers him as the great father who always took the kids to Little League and Cub Scouts. He was shot during a burglary investigation in 1976, one of 48 officers and deputies killed in the line of duty in Orange County history.

On Wednesday, hundreds of law-enforcement officials gathered at the county's Peace Officers' Memorial Monument in Santa Ana to pay tribute to the fallen. They watched in silence as a riderless horse clopped past, and sat in silence as each of the 48 names was read out loud.

This year, Anaheim Police Chief John Welter provided the keynote address, as he is currently serving as the President of the Orange County Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association. His address follows: 

Good Morning.  It is a true honor and a privilege for me to speak today on behalf of the Orange County Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association.  It is customary for the President of the Association to speak, unless an Orange County peace officer has fallen in the previous year.  When that occurs, the honor is bestowed on the Chief Officer of the agency in which the fallen officer served.  I’m grateful that this is the third year that the President of our Association is speaking.   We have gone three years without losing a peace officer in Orange County.   We all pray that we continue that trend for years to come. [more]

I want to welcome the families, friends and loved ones of officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in previous years.  We honor you and your continued sacrifice... year to year.  Few of us can imagine the grief and loss you must feel.  Nothing can be said that adequately expresses what you continue to endure.  We can only hope that this day can help heal those wounds and give you the strength to remember your loved one as a true hero to us all.  

I also want to welcome all peace officers and civilian professional personnel in attendance today.  I recognize that you’re here to join us in a display of respect for the 48 lives that are represented as names on this memorial.  We are reminded today that you, too, have suffered the loss of a family member.  Whether you were a fellow Department member, a partner, or close friend to one of those we honor….whether you wear blue, green, or kaki, …you are all part of the same family of peace officers.  We are thankful for your continued service to our profession.

In my remarks I intentionally use the term “peace officer” when referring to law enforcement.  We typically use the term Law Enforcement Officer because we want to recognize all agencies and all titles without giving preference to just one.  We prefer to avoid the practice of separating us through descriptors like officer, deputy, agent, or marshal.  So we use the term law enforcement.  I prefer the title peace officer whenever I can.  It seems to fit those heroes we are honoring today. 

Peace Officer is a more accurate picture of what we do and why we do it.  In our profession we’re all committed to keeping the peace.  On a daily basis we see the suffering and damage caused by violent criminal behavior.  We feel the pain and agony of victims who cannot defend themselves.  We recognize the lives that are forever changed and wasted when a young person chooses a life of violence and crime. 

We do enforce the law as one method of bringing peace to our neighborhoods.  We enforce the law as a means to intervene in a criminal’s path of self destruction.  We feel sympathy for victims…. and occasionally, even for offenders.  But maintaining the peace also means working with the greater community, helping our youth and elderly avoid becoming victims, being a role model to young people so they don’t become criminals, and actively supporting crime prevention activities.  I read the biographies of each of these fallen officers.  Many of them were involved in helping young people in organized programs.  They were active in community events.  They were great role models for young and old alike.  They were much more than law enforcement officers. 

These 48 peace officers lost their lives in the process of creating a more peaceful community.  That’s their legacy.  That’s the legacy that I prefer to recognize.  They were contributing to the higher calling of keeping the peace.  Their personal sacrifice of life serves as a constant reminder of the dangers of violence and the cost of peace.  As a society we are all eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

Each one of the 48 names on this memorial represents a story of life and commitment….to duty and to family.  Their individual stories of courage, risk, compassion and dedication are significant.  They were husbands - wives, brothers or sisters, daughters - sons, aunts or uncles….and partners.  It’s obvious that they enjoyed the full excitement of life.  That’s evident by the profession they chose.  Regardless of how short their lives were, they contributed more to the peaceful lives of others than to themselves.  They could have chosen a more peaceful and less dangerous profession.  But they didn’t.  

Those of us still in service realize that today or tomorrow we could be expected to make the ultimate sacrifice for peace in our cities and our neighborhoods.  We wouldn’t want to leave our families in grief.  But we can be confident that our contribution will never be forgotten.    Today we have Jack and Margaret Brady in the audience.  Jack Brady is 89 years old and the grandson of OC Undersheriff Robert Squires.  Undersheriff Squires was born in 1868.  He was shot and killed in a shootout with an outlaw in the Tomato Springs area of Orange County in 1912.  Deputy Squires is the first peace officer honored on our memorial.  We also have family of the last officer killed in Orange County, the family of Officer Steven Phillips of Westminster PD.  Officer Phillips died in the line of duty in 2004.  Hopefully Officer Phillips will truly be the last Peace Officer killed in Orange County for years to come.  

Across California and throughout our great Nation there are similar services for the men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty, in the fight for peace.  There are many tears being shed and families in complete chaos at this very moment.  We’re so grateful that a new family is not going through that pain here in Orange County.  Our hearts go out to the long road those families are about to take, through no choice of their own.  Many family members here today know only too well the reality and finality of that experience.  We can only hope that the sincere appreciation being demonstrated by those left behind will give them comfort.

Thank you all for continuing to honor our fallen heroes by your presence today.  Thank you for providing the care and compassion the families left behind deserve forever. 

Department officials hosted a picnic over the weekend to honor the more than 1100 volunteers who help make our Inmate Services programs a big success.

Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson, Assistant Sheriff Charles Walters and Inmate Services Director Sharron Gibson-Casler were among those attending but the real guests of honor were 437 volunteers who attended the picnic at Hart Park in Orange on Saturday.

The latest statistics show that 5,884 volunteer sessions were held at all five of the Departments jail facilities. They were attended by 103,035 inmates.

The programs include a wide variety of services for inmates, ranging from rehabilitation programs like Alcoholics Anonymous to church services, Bible study, language and literacy help.

Workshops are held where gifts are made for the families of tragedy and families of terminally ill children, fallen firefighters, fallen law enforcement officers and fallen U.S. Armed Forces Members. Others teach inmates to sew specially fitted garments for war veterans who have lost limbs in battle. There are also parenting classes and classes to help inmates cope with the challenges they will face when released.

For more pictures of the picnic, click here.

The Orange County Board of Supervisors authorized the Department to join COPLINK, an multi-jurisdictional information sharing consortium first planned four years ago with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security. 

The Sheriff’s Department joining the consortium comes after several years of wrangling over legal and technical issues, said Capt. Mike James.   

“We’ve put those issues to rest and now we are a full voting member of the Integrated Law & Justice Agency for Orange County,” Capt. James said.

COPLINK is essentially a computer interpretation tool  which accepts information from all law enforcement agencies in the county, along with the Superior Court, the District Attorney and the Probation Department. Those agencies use a myriad of computer formats but COPLINK accepts all of the data and allows it to be accessed by agencies with otherwise non-compatible computer formats.  

Sheriff’s deputies and investigators will soon have access to information on individuals, crimes and events gathered by court and law enforcement sources throughout the county.  Bob McDonell, executive director of Integrated Law & Justice Agency for Orange County said the system is currently undergoing an upgrade that will enhance the service provided to law enforcement. 

Department personnel using the system will be able to access information from the Los Angeles Police Department, San Diego County, and a growing number of agencies around the state and the nation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is expected to join the system soon, said McDonell, who retired as the Newport Beach Police Chief before joining the agency as Executive Director.  It vastly expands the number of data bases available to deputies on patrol, investigators and those classifying inmates in the jails.  “Now when there is a traffic stop a suspicious vehicle, you can find out not more than the driver’s traffic and criminal record,” Capt. James said. “You can find out if the person was a witness to a crime, a victim of a crime and who they hang out with.”  

The system also allows investigators to feed information about a crime and learn about similar elements in crimes committed elsewhere.  In March 2004, Orange County agencies secured a DHS grant through the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) program. The UASI Grant recipients in the County - Santa Ana and Anaheim - applied for the grant to en­hance the goals of improved homeland security efforts in the region, which included information sharing among County law enforcement and justice agencies as one of its primary goals for the purpose of thwarting crime and terrorism.

A multi-jurisdictional consortium known as the Integrated Law and Justice (ILJ) Project was already in place, and under the guidance of Deloitte Consulting, had just completed developing a “requirements defini­tion” for an information sharing project in preparation for a formal bid process to identify a solution. To learn more about COPLINK, check this out: 042408 Orange County CA Case Study.pdf (1.60 mb)

The Board of Supervisors also ratified the Memorandum of Understanding between the Naval Criminal Investigative Service for the Sheriff's Department to participate in the Southern California Law Enforcement Information Exchange (SoCal LInX). 

To see the Board of Supervisors staff reports on both agenda items click here: [more]

Topics include the use of overtime, early release of inmates and personnel transfers. Here's a rough transcript:

Good Morning Chairman Moorlach and Honorable Supervisors,

I’m here this morning so that I can keep you informed of transitional changes in our jails and provide updates on other media stories.

I’ll begin today on the familiar subject of Jail Operations

As many of you know, last Friday, we announced the Promotions and/or Transfers of 36 department personnel – 17 of whom will be rotating from their current position in the jails.

The Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s (AOCDS) opposed my previous rotation of 23 personnel assigned to the jails in April, resulting in their filing for a court injunction to stop the transfers which was ultimately denied by the court.

In working with the County CEO Human Resources team and County Counsel’s Labor Relations Team, I am departing from long held departmental practices, and following through as appropriate with the issuance of necessary policy changes in the transfer/rotation of personnel in our jails to rectify serious and ongoing problems of the past.

I believe these transfers will create positive and lasting changes in our operation and that they will positively impact department culture – and I continue to invite the Board of Directors of AOCDS to work with me and be part of the solution.
Our Jail Operations made other news last week as well:

Although I have no plans at this time to release inmates early from our jails, On May 6, we filed a request to obtain a temporary court order authorizing the department to release inmates up to 5 days early.

We previously had a federally ordered legal authority to manage inmate population through a system of early releases resulting from the Stuart v. Gates decision. That authority was eliminated when the court order was vacated. Therefore, we sought the order to allow us the flexibility to manage inmate population as circumstances beyond our control dictate.

Jail overcrowding has been an issue here in Orange County for the past 20 years and we routinely utilize Early Release to ensure we are in the confines of the law

In fact, last year we released 1491 inmates (124 per month on average) and during the first four months of this year we released 47.

This afternoon, I am meeting with the County’s District Attorney office, CoCo, Probation and a representative of the California Department of Corrections and Reabilitation to ensure we have measures in place to ensure we can continue to handle jail overcrowding.

In other news indirectly related to Jail Operations, the Los Angeles Times recently ran a story about the department’s use of Overtime pay

I want to assure the Board that we are saving money – even as we utilize OT to fill shifts

1. The average cost of overtime for March and April is 9% less than the average for Dec, Jan, and Feb.
2. From FY 03-04 through FY 06-07, overtime exceeded budget by an average of $6.5 million while the other Salary and Employee Benefit line items was under budget by an average of $22.6 million.  This represents an annual average savings of $16.1 million for total Salaries and Employee Benefits.

I have begun implementing accountability procedures to ensure OT is tracked to each user and utilized in accordance with existing department guidelines

And, because of the tight economy and the fiscal challenges we all face, I have asked that each Division Commander find ways to decrease the amount of OT costs.

Since January 15, when I took over as Acting Sheriff,

• We have cut OT by 9%

The Acting Sheriff ended his remarks with a presentation and update on the Musick Correctional facility expansion.

Updated: Monday, May 19.  

John,
Just wanted to update you on how the ride is progressing. We have completed 3 days of the ride and everything is going fine. All the riders are tired and sore, but spirits are high. Everyone is excited about finishing tomorrow. We are planning on arriving in Sunset (PCH and Warner) at 1500 hrs and should arrive at HQ at between 1600 and 1630. We have covered over 500 miles with a little over 110 left to cover tomorrow. 
Lt. Kirk LaPean 

Ten members of the Department and two retired members will pedal the 630 mile bicycle ride from the California Police Memorial in Sacramento to the Police Memorial in Santa Ana.

The ride will begin on Saturday, May 17th and it is expected to be completed on Tuesday, May 20th.

In all, 48 law enforcement officers from 14 agencies in Orange County will take part in the ride, which is held to raise money to help the families of fallen and injured law enforcement officers. It is the seventh year the event has been held.

Those from the Department who will take part include Lt. Kirk LaPean, Deputies Kristin Hayman, Kevin LaPyrne, Maria Mendoza, Stu Thomsen, Investigator Martin Ramirez, and Sergeants Ben Stripe, Fritz Von Rettberg, Bob Wank and Greg Warner. The retired members are Sgt. Hank Osterfeld and Deputy Jim Bertolino.

Department members working to support the ride include Emergency Management Coordinator Donna Mayer, Reserves Pam Peters, Rick Rogers and Richard Schnur. Retired Sergeant Randy Benicky is also working to support the ride.

The ride will help mark National Police Officer Memorial Week with each rider representing one of the 48 fallen officers from Orange County. The officers ride the 630 miles in a relay style. There are approximately 50 riders divided into three teams. Each team rides a different segment of the route so that all 630 miles are covered. [more]

The riders raise funds for their expenses and to donate to the Project 999 Fund. The riders participate on their own time.

The chairman of this year’s Project 999-Memorial Ride is Lt. Kirk LaPean, of the Theo Lacy Facility. In September 2002 his friend and mentor, Stg. Matt Davis, was killed while on patrol.

“It hit all to close to home; I was working at the time of the crash and watched as paramedics tried to save my friend’s life,” says LaPean. “Ever since then I ride in his honor.” 
The participants average about 90 miles a day.
Last year the ride raised $45,000 to help support officers and their families. Project 999 funds cover items such as funeral expenses, in cases of death, to retrofitting homes for wheelchair accessibility for injured officers.
Some of the major sponsors of the ride are Jax Bicycle Center, Gatekeeper Systems, Inc., Atlas Environmental Engineering, Inc., FRS, Clif Bar, Doxieco, and the City of Lake Forrest.

Facts on the Ride

  
Project 999-Memorial Ride  P.O. Box 241 Santa Ana, CA 92702  http://www.project999ride.org/ 

CONTACT: e-mail: andfam221@sbcglobal.net 

Project 999-Memorial Ride Fact Sheet

The sole purpose of Project 999 is to assist and support Orange County law enforcement families of those officers who have been injured or fallen in the line of duty. The Project 999 Memorial Ride is a way of honoring those who have given their lives or been injured while protecting Orange County.  

PROJECT 999 HISTORY

Formed in 1979 to assist Orange County deputies or officers injured or killed in the line of duty, as well as their families 

Donations provide medical equipment, retrofitting homes for wheelchair access, funeral expenses, family air fare and hotel expenses·  

Funds are available to law enforcement officers and their families· 

Last year’s (2007) ride raised $45,000; over one million dollars raised since inception PROJECT 999-MEMORIAL RIDE

Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, CHP, Fullerton, Irvine, Newport Beach, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Placentia, Santa Ana, Tustin, Westminster, Orange  

• Riders raise a minimum $1000
• Cash, check and money order donations from the public can be mailed to:

Friday, May 16:

It is sometimes necessary for many of you to work overtime in order to fulfill our obligations in accordance with mandates and in compliance with our commitments to contract cities and agencies.

It is understood that all of you who work overtime do so in good faith, in the spirit of helping our department fulfill those obligations. Our current staffing level makes overtime the most viable solution to discharging our duties as a department.

That said, the Los Angeles Times has cast a critical light on the department's overtime practices and that has prompted an audit by the county. Of concern are any deputies working overtime in far excess of department guidelines. Those guidelines are in place for good reason and they must be followed. There will be times when the guidelines have to be set aside due to emergencies or special circumstances but any breaching of the guidelines must be authorized by a supervisor.

Overtime will likely always be a consideration. We rely on it to staff such events as the Orange County Fair and emergencies like the Santiago Fire. The unexpected will always challenge our efforts to remain within the established guidelines and budgetary limits.

I want to thank all of you who answer the call for overtime and put aside personal and family concerns to help the department meet its obligations . Our review of the overtime practices and the county audit will likely enable us to create a system that serves the department and the communities we serve effectively. This can be done without compromising services or public safety which is now, and always will be our primary concern.

Reserve Deputy Steve Sobodos was home with his family. They had just finished celebrating Mother’s Day, when he was called to respond to a report that a 14-year old special needs boy was missing in Irvine.

He led his bloodhound partner Kenda out of the house and he arrived at the scene. Irvine police were worried. They had found the youngster’s bike and helmet abandoned by a bike trail directly across from a highway. The abandoned bike caused police to suspect an abduction may have taken place.

The search had begun about three hours earlier. Patrol cars, helicopters and officers on foot had scoured the neighborhood. The boy’s parents were terrified.

Deputy Sobodos picked up the helmet and let Kenda find the scent. [more]

Kenda led Deputy Sobodos down a grassy area, following the scent along a creek bed, under a bridge and on to Culver Drive.  After tracking for 20 minutes, a boy was spotted.

“We have a bloodhound vehicle that follows us to protect us from traffic. If we’re tracking along a street we don’t want cars coming from behind and hitting us. It also carries our gear,” said Deputy Sobodos. “They drove ahead and asked the boy who he was. He said he was on his way home but had gotten lost. We compared him to the picture the police had given us and it was a match.”

The youngster was holding his side, it hurt because he had been running for a long time. It was determined he was mostly winded and not injured.

The boy’s parents were called to the scene and they were ecstatic.

“The mother just hugged and hugged him, it was Mother’s Day after all,” the Deputy said.

The father shook hands with the Irvine officers and Sheriff’s deputies.

“Then he reached down and petted Kenda,” said Deputy Sobodos.

“It’s a find like this that motivates me to donate my time. My wife is used to me being called out of movies and at all times of the day and night. It’s not that often that we have a paws-on find. It’s what keeps us going. On my third or fourth time out we found a girl who was hiding from her parents. She had become locked in a school yard. There was no way out for her until we found her on the other side of the fence.”

Sobodos works his regular job in the Department’s Communications Bureau and has been a Reserve Deputy for 10 years. He has been on the blood hound team for seven-years and a handler for three- years. 

“I became a handler when I got Kenda and she’s three now.” 

Newport Harbor, Calif. - The U.S. Coast Guard and Orange County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) signed a memorandum of agreement on Monday, May 12, 2008.  The agreement delineates the specific responsibilities of each agency when responding to maritime incidents in Orange County, Calif.

To read the Coast Guard press release click here.