The O.C. Fair is about to open and for the Department that means 21 days of activities ranging from a B.B.King Concert to a skateboard competition--all themed to the term “Say Cheese.”

 The O.C. Fair is the largest single special events contract with the Sheriff’s Department. During the 21 days of the Fair, deputies and reserves staff over 1000 uniformed foot patrol positions.

The O.C. Fair runs from July 11 to August 3 and is closed on Mondays. For more information on the O.C. Fair go to http://www.ocFair.com/2008/index.asp

“One of our proudest achievements is the reputation we maintain as being one of the safest Fairs in the state. The County Fair is a place where families feel safe and it is not uncommon to see moms pushing around their strollers at 11 or 12 at night,” said Lieutenant Tom Gallivan, of North Operations. “The deputies work hand in hand with the Public Safety Officers at the Fair to maintain a safe family fun environment for the patrons and employees.” More...

The Orange County Register reported in its Online news about the good police work by the Department's Court Operations Judicial Protection Unit and the Bomb Squad.

Ronald Gary Turner, 44, was arrested July 2 after Orange County sheriff's deputies found handcuffs, pepper spray, throwing knives and a stolen 9 mm gun inside his vehicle during a traffic stop. The gun was loaded with hollow-point rounds and had the serial numbers removed.

During a search of his Costa Mesa home, authorities discovered a cache of explosives, including two homemade bombs with timers, two homemade guns, other bomb-making materials, tactical equipment, a bulletproof vest, and listening devices. Two children lived in the room next to where the bombs were kept, according to county prosecutors.

To read the whole story click here.